| Element | % | | Oxide | % |
| O | 46.49 | | | |
| Na | 10.54 | | Na2O | 14.21 |
| Al | 11.74 | | Al2O3 | 22.18 |
| Si | 27.63 | | SiO2 | 59.11 |
| Ca | 1.54 | | CaO | 2.15 |
| Fe | 1.01 | | FeO | 1.30 |
|
|
|
| Sum | 99.0 | | Sum | 99.0 |
|
|  | |
| 200 µ m
| |
|
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.
|