Nephrite

Nephrite is a beautiful and tough type of mineral that belongs to a group called amphibole. Its main components are calcium, magnesium, and iron. Along with jadeite, it is one of the two minerals known as jade. Nephrite jade is usually gray or green, sometimes showing yellow, brown, black, or white colors. It is often made into decorative carvings, beads, or shiny, rounded gemstones called cabochons. In the United States, Wyoming has named nephrite its official state mineral.

You can find nephrite in many different colors and forms. In China, a clear white to pale yellow type is called "mutton fat" jade, while an opaque white or light brown form is known as "chicken bone" jade. Green nephrite is also very popular. Today, most of the nephrite used for making jewelry comes from western Canada. Long ago, people in China, New Zealand, North America, Neolithic Europe, and southeast Asia valued nephrite jade for its beauty and strength.

Name

The name nephrite comes from ancient words meaning "kidney stone." People long ago thought this stone could help with kidney problems. Over time, the name changed and evolved into what we use today.

Nephrite has many other names, such as "axe-stone," "B.C. jade," and "New Zealand greenstone." These names come from different places and cultures where people used and valued the stone for its beauty and strength. Some old pieces of nephrite found in tombs are called "tomb jade" or "grave jade" because of their special appearance.

Main article: Tremolite

Main articles: Pounamu, Jade

History

Nephrite has a long and rich history, used by many cultures for thousands of years. In Europe, during the Early Neolithic to the Late Chalcolithic periods, people in the Balkans, Poland, Sardinia, and Switzerland made tools and amulets from nephrite. These items show that nephrite was valued and widely traded even in ancient times.

In China, nephrite, often called "mutton fat" jade, was very important. It was used to make many useful and ceremonial objects, from decorations to burial suits. The most prized nephrite came from the region of Khotan in Xinjiang, and it was so valuable that it was given as tribute to the Chinese imperial court. In Taiwan and Southeast Asia, nephrite jade was a major trade item in a network that connected many areas. In New Zealand, nephrite is known as pounamu and is very important to the Māori people. It is used to make weapons, ornaments, and tools, and is considered a treasure protected under the Treaty of Waitangi.