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  • Jadeite Crystal Structure: Properties & Characteristics
    Jadeite has a monoclinic crystal structure.

    Here are some details:

    * Space group: C2/c

    * Unit cell parameters: a = 9.42 Å, b = 5.40 Å, c = 11.57 Å, β = 106.8°

    * Z: 4 (four formula units per unit cell)

    Key features of the Jadeite structure:

    * Pyroxene chain structure: Jadeite is a pyroxene mineral, meaning it has a characteristic chain structure of silicate tetrahedra (SiO4). These chains run parallel to the b-axis of the crystal.

    * Sharing of oxygen atoms: Adjacent tetrahedra share oxygen atoms, forming the chain.

    * Cation arrangement: The chain structure leaves space for two different types of cations:

    * Sodium (Na+) ions: Occupy large, 8-coordinated sites between the pyroxene chains.

    * Aluminum (Al3+) ions: Occupy smaller, 6-coordinated sites within the chains.

    This particular arrangement of cations and the strong bonds within the pyroxene chains give jadeite its characteristic hardness, toughness, and resistance to breakage.

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