Mineral Inclusion Assemblage and Its Indication in Simu Jade in Haicheng, Liaoning Province

Simu jade, a high-quality yellowish-green tremolite jade, is produced in Haicheng city, Liaoning Province and has a long utilization history. In this study, the mineral inclusions in 50 samples were analyzed using a digital microscope system and Raman spectroscopy. The results show that rod-like epidote, coarse-grained tremolite, torn pyrrhotite, graphite, along with weathered white crust are of geographical indication. The unique appearances and high frequency of occurrence are good indications of the origin of Simu jade. The Raman spectra of graphite inclusions indicate that the metamorphic facies of the original rock of Simu jade varies from greenschist facies to amphibolite facies. The esistence of coarse-grained tremolite indicates that the formation of Simu jade had gone through at least two stages. The pyrrhotite inclusions suggest that Simu jade was formed in a reductive geochemical environment. The aforementioned findings provide significant clues for the further exploration of the origin of jade artifacts unearthed from prehistoric sites in China.