Maw-Sit-Sit

Maw-sit-sit is often mistaken for a variety of Jade. It is a rock that can be composed of 7 different mineral species. It primarily contains albite feldspar followed by kosmochlor with lesser amounts of chromian-eckermannite, chromite and natrolite. Dealers in China might call it Kosmochlor Fei Cui. It is found in association with jade deposits in Tawhmaw or Taw Maw, Myanmar in the Namshamaw dike. It gets its name from the location from where it is mined. This gem is opaque with a saturated green to yellow green color, with dark green to black veining or mottling. The Kyet tayoe variety has a paler bright green color. The color is due to chromium. The rock was first described by Dr. Edward Gübelin in the mid 1960’s. Maw-sit-sit is used for cabochons and decorative items.