Maw Sit Sit is a distinctive substance celebrated for its incredibly vibrant, almost neon-like green coloration. Often compared to jade due to its appearance and texture, Maw Sit Sit is technically a rock aggregate, distinguishing it from single-mineral gemstones. This material is rare and sought-after due to its visual characteristics and extreme geographical limitation.
Geological Identity and Composition
Maw Sit Sit is scientifically classified as a chromium-rich metamorphic rock, meaning it is an aggregate composed of several different mineral species fused together. Its intense green color is directly caused by a high concentration of chromium within its structure.
The dominant component is Kosmochlor, a sodium chromium pyroxene that typically accounts for approximately 60% of the material. Kosmochlor, which appears as brilliant emerald green or dark green-black patches, is the primary source of the vivid coloration.
Other significant minerals include chromian jadeite, a chromium-enriched form of jadeite making up about 15% of the aggregate. Minor constituents also contribute to the overall appearance, such as chromian eckermannite, chromian albite, and opaque grains of chromite.
The presence of these varied components gives Maw Sit Sit a composite structure that sets it apart from the uniform crystal structure of true jade.
Unique Origin and Discovery
The name Maw Sit Sit is derived directly from the small village located near its only known source in the world. This sole deposit is found within the Tawmaw region of Upper Burma, now known as Myanmar. The discovery site is situated in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, a remote area that has historically been the center of the world’s most significant jadeite mining operations.
Maw Sit Sit was first brought to the attention of the gemological community in the early 1960s, with its formal identification often cited as 1963. The Swiss gemologist Eduard J. Gübelin was the first to study and document this new material during his field investigations in the area. Its geological occurrence is intimately connected to the surrounding historic imperial jadeite mines, where it formed under high-pressure, low-temperature metamorphic conditions alongside the jade deposits.
The extreme geographical exclusivity of the Maw Sit Sit source is the fundamental reason for its rarity in the global gem market. All material must originate from this single, small area in northern Myanmar, which limits the total supply available worldwide.
Key Physical Properties and Identification
The most recognizable physical characteristic of Maw Sit Sit is its visual pattern, which features a range of green hues interspersed with sharp black markings. The base color can vary from a deep, mottled spinach green to an intense emerald green, often described as chrome-green. This green matrix is typically patterned with dark green to jet-black veins, spots, or swirls, which are primarily due to the presence of Kosmochlor and chromite inclusions.
Gemologists rely on specific measurable properties to distinguish Maw Sit Sit from other green materials, such as imperial jade or heavily stained serpentine. The material exhibits a broad range of optical properties due to its aggregate nature, with its refractive index typically measured between 1.52 and 1.74. Density is another important identifier, with a specific gravity that generally falls between 2.45 and 3.5, a range that reflects its varied mineral components.
Its resistance to scratching is moderate, ranking between 6 and 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. This hardness is slightly lower than that of high-quality jadeite. The material is typically opaque, though very thin sections may exhibit slight translucency, and it displays a vitreous to oily luster when polished.
Uses in Jewelry and Art
Maw Sit Sit’s color and patterning make it a desirable material for various artistic and commercial applications. It is most commonly shaped into cabochons, which are smooth, domed cuts that best showcase the material’s vibrant color and unique veining patterns. Beads are also a frequent application, allowing the material to be used in necklaces and bracelets.
Beyond jewelry, Maw Sit Sit is frequently used in ornamental art, where it is carved into small figurines, decorative objects, and larger artistic pieces. The material’s aesthetic appeal, particularly the contrast between the brilliant green and the black streaks, commands a high premium, especially in the Asian market. The rock possesses good toughness, making it durable enough for use in wearable jewelry.