Synthesis and characterization of NaAlSi2O6 jadeite under high pressure and high temperature

Abstract

With Al 2( SiO 3)3 and Na 2 SiO 3 ⋅ 9 H 2 O as raw materials, the NaAlSi 2 O 6 jadeite was synthesized in the temperature range of 1000–1600°C under 5.0 GPa conditions. Amorphous glass materials are entirely converted to crystalline NaAlSi 2 O 6 jadeite at 5.0 GPa and 1450°C. All the experimental results reveal that the properties of synthetic NaAlSi 2 O 6 resemble the natural jadeite very much. The research indicates that we provide a new approach to synthesize NaAlSi 2 O 6 and offer an essential guideline for jewelry, which will be helpful for deep understanding on the origin of natural jadeite and the metamorphism of magma within the Earth.