Recently encountered "Hidaka Jade"

Abstract

"Hidaka Jade" reported in 1980 by Banba was diopside (CaMgSi₂0₆), not jadeite(NaAlSi₂0₆). The Hidaka jade is observed most at Chisaka of Hidaka, Saru district, Hokkaido prefecture, Japan. However, cannot be found in the Japanese market at present. The Hidaka Jade occurs between serpentinite and rodingite. As the results of compared with the peridotites from Horoman and Samani districts, the Hidaka jade was found as a new type of jade that was different from these. We examined a mineralogical property of the diopsides and decided to call the Hidaka Jade. These diopsides are attractive coloration gemstones caused by containing Cr ions. We may come to be able to look at the Hidaka Jade in a market in future.