Tumbled Stones: Nephrite Jade
Size: 1/2" to 3/4" each stone
Quantity per order: 1 Stone

Nephrites were considered jade up until very recently. However, in 1863 a Frenchman, Alexis Damour, discovered that the material known as "jade" could be divided into two different minerals: Jadeites and Nephrites. Jadeite and nephrite have distinctly different mineral compositions. Jadeite is an aluminum-rich pyroxene, while nephrite is a magnesium-rich amphibole. However, the two minerals have very similar physical properties in the eye of the average person. Only trained observers with significant experience are able to reliably differentiate them without mineral testing equipment.

Chinese craftsmen have been producing jade objects for over 5,000 years. A few hundred years ago, master Chinese craftsmen who worked with jade daily recognized that some of the jade obtained from Burma (now the Union of Myanmar) was different. It was harder, denser, worked more easily, and produced a higher luster upon polishing. It gradually became the form of jade preferred by Chinese artisans and the jade most highly prized by the Chinese people. They realized this long before scientists differentiated jadeite and nephrite in 1863. Unknowingly, Chinese craftsmen had distinguished jadeite from nephrite and appreciated it enough to pay premium prices for jadeite. However, they didn't have the knowledge and equipment of chemistry and crystallography to distinguish them in a formal way.

Many use Nephrite Jade as a protective stone that transmutes negative energies into positive. Nephrite Jade can instill a sense of calm and well-being, and can help to increase one's enjoyment of life. Nephrite Jade promotes confidence and calms the nervous system. Nephrite connects the heart chakra to the crown chakra, and can help those work through and understand feelings and emotions. It is also used for all types of dream work! As with regular jade, Nephrite brings prosperity and abundance as well.