described
jadeite, also described chlormelanite, another substance resembling
jade. This material contains a larger percentage of iron than jadeite,
and its specific gravity is higher, ranging from 3.4 to 3.65. The color
is generally blackish green, spinach or sage green, marked with patches
of lighter shades. It is found enclosing garnet with iron pyrite.
Prof.
Heinrich Fischer of Freiburg, Baden, devoted his entire life to the
study of the literature, archaeology, and examination of jade, jadeite,
chlormelanite, and allied minerals. The results of this study were
published in his " Nephrit und Jadeit" (Stuttgart, 1875), in which he
shows that these and other green stones have been called by 150
different names, which he gives, as well as a chronologically arranged
table of the literature on the subject from the earliest time to his
death. The United States National Museum has a large and fine series
of jadeite objects from Mexico, nearly all of which are from the State
of Oaxaca. The Museum is also well supplied with jadeite objects from
Central America, only a few of which are from Nicaragua and Guatemala.
The finest are from Costa Rica. With these jade-ites are many articles
of softer green stones, and occasionally an object of quartz or
chalcedony.1
Among
the more remarkable jadeite objects of Mexican origin is an adze
described by the author, believed to be the largest yet found. On its
face is figured a grotesque human figure, and for so hard a material,
the workmanship is excellent. It is said to have been found about
twenty years ago in Oaxaca, Mexico. It measures 272 millimeters
(10-13/16 inches) in length, 153 millimeters (6 inches) in width, and
118 millimeters (4-5/8 inches) in thickness, and weighs 229.3 Troy
ounces. Across the ears 153 millimeters (6 inches), across the lower
axe end 82 millimeters (3-1/4 inches), height of head to neck 158
millimeters (6 1/4 inches), height from chin to foot 115 millimeters (4
1/2 inches), and the legs 50 millimeters (2 inches). From the back a
piece about 160 millimeters (6 1/2 inches) long and 50 millimeters (2
inches) wide has been removed. The color is light grayish-green with a
tinge of blue, and streaks of an almost emerald-green on the back. In
style of ornamenta-
1
On Nephrite and Jadeite by Prof. Frank W. Clarke and George P. Merrill.
Proceedings of the United States National Museum (1888), Vol. 11, p. 115, et seq.
