MAW SIT SIT

Maw Sit Sit is a rare, electrifying green stone only found in the surrounding region of the village of Tawmaw, north of Myanmar. Sometimes called “Chrome Jade,” many believe this stone to be a type of jade or jadeite.

- BEN KANIUTH

Instead, it’s a metamorphic stone comprised of kosmochlor, clinochlore, albite and many other minerals. Kosmochlor, a sodium chromium pyroxene mineral, is what makes up the vibrant green coloring. Interspersed are different shades of green, swirls and dots of black and sometimes white striations. This stone is often used in jewelry and even carved pieces because of its eye-catching appearance.

HISTORY BEHIND MAW SIT SIT

Swiss gemologist Edward J. Gubelin found this material in the early 1960s after an invitation brought him to the Upper Burma area to take an excursion to the historical jadeite area. During his stay, Gubelin noticed a few slabs of this bright green stone. Through loose translation, he grasped that they were either stones called Maw-sit-sit or stones from Maw-sit-sit. Eventually, this interest led him to the deposit, which quickly sparked interest in this high-intensity green stone.

FINDING MAW SIT SIT