Mineralogical characteristics and causes of jadeite “structural cotton” in an ecological context: Insights from biomechanical analogies

Article ID: 941

Abstract

The causes of jadeite “structural cotton” are complex and varied, and are the result of a combination of factors in an ecological context. Jadeite “structural cotton” not only has a unique appearance, but also its formation mechanism with the conventional emerald there are obvious differences. In view of the exquisite adaptation of organisms to the environment during the long process of evolution, we can analyze “structural cotton” by analogy with the principles of biomechanics. Starting from the adaptability of biological structure and function, we can think about whether the internal mineral crystals of jadeite during its formation process may undergo special arrangement and deformation under the action of geological stress, just like the structure of biological bones adjusted by force, thus forming the unique structure of “structural cotton”. For example, when biological bones are subjected to stress in different directions, cells will sense and feedback, prompting the trabeculae to optimize their distribution and achieve the best mechanical support. Similarly, in the underground high temperature, high pressure and complex geological environment, the mineral particles of jadeite may also respond to changes in stress, temperature, and chemical concentrations with a similar “sensing feedback” mechanism, and eventually form the appearance of “structural cotton”. In this paper, the definition of jadeite “structural cotton” and its typical features are firstly elaborated, and then the collection and analysis methods of the samples are introduced in detail. Then, the mineralogical characteristics of jadeite “structural cotton” are systematically summarized, including its crystal structure, chemical composition, optical properties, etc. From a biomechanical perspective, we can consider the elastic and plastic properties of the jadeite matrix and how the inclusions of “structural cotton” might affect the overall mechanical behavior. The way in which cracks or voids within the jadeite might propagate or interact with the surrounding material can be related to fracture mechanics principles seen in biological materials such as bones or shells. On this basis, the formation mechanism of jadeite “structural cotton” is discussed and analyzed with the regional geological background. Through the systematic analysis of the characteristics of jadeite cotton, we explore the causes of cotton and its interrelationship with the body of jadeite, which provides a new perspective for further understanding of the process of jadeite jadeite genesis.