nephrite
nounA white to dark green variety of jade, chiefly a metasilicate of iron, calcium, and magnesium.
nounA tough compact variety of amphibole (tremolite or actinolite), of a leek-green color, often found in rolled pieces: jade. It was formerly worn as a remedy for diseases of the kidneys. See
A hard compact mineral, of a dark green color, formerly worn as a remedy for diseases of the kidneys, whence its name; kidney stone; a kind of jade. It varies in color from white to dark green. It is the more common and less valuable variety of jade, the other being jadeite. Large deposits are found in Australia. Called also
A
an amphibole mineral consisting of calcium magnesium silicate in monoclinic crystalline form; a source of jade that is less valuable than from jadeite; once believed to cure kidney disorders
