what is this dark green translucent stone

[slickster37]

I found this in a wash in california northern area. It is 3 inches by1 1/2 inches with a white steak - I thought it might be Jadeite. it can be scratched with a knife and is translucent along the edges . Any Ideas?

 

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[GoldieLocks]

I think jade is usually mined from underground like other metals. I suspect you have a mix of volcanic rock, quartz, and various mineral colored layers. We have a green mineral in local over over here in Carson City, NV, not too far away from where you found this. It was seabed here too, sand everywhere, so all sorts of roc and minerals mixed over billions of years.

 

[smokeythecat]

Interesting piece. Have you tried a hardness test? Due to the cracking on the edges I'd say it has a lot of natural water in it. Both nephrie and jadeite I do not believe would have that type of cracking, at least not the pieces I have had over the years.

 

[unclemac]

soapstone, easily carved and California highways cut right through it in spots.