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This is a reflected light micrograph of a polished,carbon coated crystal of jadeite from China, where the best jade originates. The identifying etched label, which is a feature of our standards is invaluable for navigating in an electron beam
instrument. Jadeite is widely used as the best standard for sodium in silicates because the Na atoms are more firmly locked in the dense pyroxene structure than in the more open felspar structure, and therefore show less tendency to migrate
under electron bombardment.
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