Abstract: The mineralogical and petrological characteristics of the "glimmering" jadeite jade samples,which are of high value in the jewelry market at present,are studied by using X-ray powder diffraction(XRD),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer(EDS) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM).The optical principle of the "glimmering" phenomenon is also primarily discussed.The results show that it is unnecessary relationship between the "glimmering" phenomenon and chemical compositions of the jadeite jade,including jadeitite jade and omphacitic jade.There are some necessary conditions causing the "glimmering" phenomenon for the jadeite jade.One condition is that the whole or partial shape of the jadeite jade product should be cabochon cut,the height of the cut has influence on the intensity of the "glimmering" phenomenon.One is that the surface of the jadeite jade product should be perfectly polished.The other is that the size of the mineral particles in the jadeite jade is basically in the range of 0.05 to 0.14 mm.