nephrite
Calcium-magnesium silicate
Nephrite is one of two minerals called jade, the other being jadeite.
It's a tough, fine-grained stone ranging from pale green to dark green, though also found in white, gray, and brown.
Nephrite has been carved into ornaments, tools, and ceremonial objects for thousands of years, particularly prized in Chinese and Māori cultures.
It's slightly softer and more common than jadeite.
Harder true jade mineral
- serpentineCurving in repeated bends
- greenstoneMetamorphosed rock, often jade
- cabochonDomed, unfaceted gemstone
- polishSmooth by rubbing
translucency · toughness · lapis · chalcedony · agate · turquoise · malachite · moonstone
Oxygen-bound crystal compound
- amphiboleDark inosilicate mineral group
- calciumElement twenty, builds bones
- magnesiumAlkaline earth metal
- ironElement twenty-six
metamorphic · polycrystalline · hardness · cleavage · luster · translucent · inclusions · texture
Shaped three-dimensional art
- figurineSmall ornamental sculpture
- totemSpiritual clan symbol
- pendantSuspended jewelry ornament
- amuletWorn protective token
heirloom · artifact · relief · inlay · engraving · lapidary · polishing · chisel
Suspended jewelry ornament
- necklaceNeck-worn ornament
- braceletOrnamental wrist band
- bangleRigid wrist ornament
- ringClosed curve shape
brooch · earrings · beads · cabochon · setting · bezel · strand · clasp
jadeite
Harder true jade mineral
- serpentineCurving in repeated bends
- greenstoneMetamorphosed rock, often jade
- cabochonDomed, unfaceted gemstone
polish · translucency · toughness · lapis · chalcedony · agate · turquoise · malachite · moonstone · tiger's-eye
silicate
Oxygen-bound crystal compound
- amphiboleDark inosilicate mineral group
- calciumElement twenty, builds bones
- magnesiumAlkaline earth metal
iron · metamorphic · polycrystalline · hardness · cleavage · luster · translucent · inclusions · texture · geology
sculpture
Shaped three-dimensional art
amulet · heirloom · artifact · relief · inlay · engraving · lapidary · polishing · chisel · artisan
pendant
Suspended jewelry ornament
ring · brooch · earrings · beads · cabochon · setting · bezel · strand · clasp · ornamental
green
Color of vegetation
forest · emerald · celadon · moss · verdant · mottled · creamy · white · yellow · black
Maori
New Zealand's indigenous people
Chinese · bi · Olmec · Mesoamerican · ceremonial · ancestral · mana · burial · ritual · prestige