gems, jade, jadeite, fei cui, Mesoamerica, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mayans, Olmecs, Aztecs, archaeology, history, archaeogemology

Silva presents a mineralogical and geological study of jadeitites and albitites from Guatemala, examining their mineral composition, textures, and occurrence. The study describes jadeite-bearing rocks and associated albite-rich rocks and considers their relationships within the regional geological setting. Particular attention is given to the mineralogical characteristics of the jadeitites, their associated minerals, and variations in composition and appearance. The work represents an early geological investigation of Guatemalan jadeite and is significant for documenting natural jadeitite occurrences in Guatemala and distinguishing them from associated albititic rocks.