Gemmological Characteristics and Developing Prospect of Fe-Rich Serpentine Jade from Liaoning Province

The gemmological characteristics of serpentine jade samples from Houxianyu, Yingkou, Liaoning Province are studied. The results show that the main mineral of samples is Fe-rich serpentine (including lizardite and antigorite). The minor minerals are olivine(including forsterite and chrysolite), talc, brucite, chondrodite, carbonate minerals(including dolomite,calcite and magnesite) and metallic minerals(including magnetite, pyrite, pyrrhotite and ludwigite). The jade samples are in dark green, fine texture, dim transparency, glassy luster mainly and metallic luster partly, and there are plaque, striation, spot structure, etc. Distinct from the traditional Xiuyan jade, the jade could be named "Fe-rich serpentine jade",where the appearance is nearly similar to that of the ancient bronze wares so that the jade could be suitable for imitating bronze wares and enhancing the Chinese traditional culture. There have a good developing prospect for the jade.