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

With Al2(SiO3)3 and Na2SiO3 ⋅ 9H2O as raw materials, the NaAlSi2O6 jadeite was synthesized in the temperature range of 1000–1600°C under 5.0 GPa conditions. Amorphous glass materials are entirely converted to crystalline NaAlSi2O6 jadeite at 5.0 GPa and 1450°C. All the experimental results reveal that the properties of synthetic NaAlSi2O6 resemble the natural jadeite very much. The research indicates that we provide a new approach to synthesize NaAlSi2O6 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.