nephrite

neph·rite

noun \ˈne-ˌfrīt\

Definition of NEPHRITE

: a compact tremolite or actinolite that is the commoner and less valuable kind of jade and that varies in color from white to dark green or black

Origin of NEPHRITE

German Nephrit, from Greek nephros; from its formerly being worn as a remedy for kidney diseases

First Known Use: 1794

Other Mineralogy Terms

agate, host, inclusion, matrix, streak

nephrite

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Gem-quality, usually green silicate mineral in the tremolite-actinolite-ferrotremolite series of amphiboles. It is the less prized but more common of the two types of jade and may be distinguished from jadeite by its splintery fracture and oily lustre. Nephrite occurs in low-grade (formed under low-temperature, low-pressure conditions), regionally metamorphosed rocks. Important deposits occur in China, Siberia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Alaska, and Wyoming.