The Chemical Compositions and Origin Characters of Serpentine Jade from Different Deposits

Abstract

This work aims to explore the sources of raw materials of archaic serpentine jade artifacts by comparing their trace element content. The major and trace elements of serpentine jade samples from different deposits in China are determined by external-beam proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE). Trace element concentrations are also measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy for comparison. The relationship between the trace element content and the mechanism of serpentine formation is discussed. The results indicate that Type I jade has a small amount of Ni in it and almost no Cr and Co while significant amount of Cr, Co and Ni was found in Type II jade. Thus, this could be used to distinguish the two kinds of serpentine jade formed by different mechanisms.