gems, jade, amphibole jade, nephrite, Switzerland, Val Faller

In the Oberhalbstein area of southeastern Switzerland, 12 occurrences of nephrite jade are recorded in close association with serpentinized peridotite within a Mesozoic alpine ophiolite complex. Among these are two roadside localities in Val Faller that have been expanded due to highway improvement projects, where new rock cuttings reveal contact alteration zones between serpentinites and surrounding country rocks. The nephrite jade occurs as small pods and irregular patches and is classified as ortho-nephrite. It typically exhibits uneven greyish-green hues, with grain size ranging from fine- to coarse-grained and a rough surface texture, occasionally showing a vitreous lustre. The jade formed through metasomatism and high-pressure effects following the emplacement and serpentinization of ultrabasic rocks. Although the deposits are too small for commercial mining, the Val Faller sites are of notable historical interest and continue to attract collectors of mineral specimens.