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NEPHRITE

Overview:

Nephrite's name comes from the Latin lapis nephriticus, meaning "kidney stone," since it was often worn to remedy diseases of the kidneys. Nephrite, a silicate of calcium and magnesium of the amphibole group, is a mineral with a fibrous crystalline structure.


Nephrite is a white to dark green variety of jade, chiefly a metasilicate of iron, calcium, and magnesium. Nephrite is composed of silica and magnesia and is dependent on its color by the amount of iron present in the mineral..



Usage:

It cures kidney illnesses. It is also considered to be good for emotional balance and stability. It has energetic clearing properties, and is useful to keep with other stones. It is said to help keep the physical heart and kidneys functioning normally. Nephrite’s uses include jewelry, carvings and bowls and vases.

Physical Properties:

Nephrite

Nephrite Birthstone

Color
Light green
Hardness
5.5-6.5
Specific Gravity
2.90-3.02
Refractive Index
1.600-1.627

Sign of Nephrite:Pisces

Legend:

Nephrite was the primary material used in ancient China. In New Zealand, where it is known as greenstone or pounamu, nephrite was fashioned for centuries by Maori to make weapons and ornaments, and is still widely used to make carved jewellery although the mining of it is restricted and closely monitored.

Occurrence:

China, New Zealand, Wyoming (Wind River Range), North of the Arctic Circle in northwestern Alaska, California, Mexico and Southern Rhodesia.