Stone: Nephrite Jade

Nephrite Jade - Image by Sonatona

Country of Origin: New Zealand, China, Canada, Russia, Australia, Brazil

General Information: Jade is one of the oldest and most important gemstones, with a history dating over 7,000 years. It is especially prized throughout Chinese and Latin American cultures, often holding more value than gold. The name 'nephrite' was derived from the Greek word for 'kidney', which refers to its supposed ability to cure kidney disease. Nephrite is one of two distinct mineral forms classified as jade (the other is jadeite) and up until 1863, nephrite was believed to be one and the same as jadeite.

Physical Properties: Nephrite is a fibrous aggregate variety of tremolite-actinolite, a basic calcium magnesium iron silicate, whereas jadeite is a pyroxene mineral. Nephrite is more common than jadeite and although it is slightly softer than jadeite, it is considered tougher due to its denser structure. 

Metaphysical properties: Since ancient times, nephrite jade has been used by many cultures for its powers. It was often used in burial ceremonies, since jade was believed to be an 'imperial gem'. Nephrite Jade is a protective stone that will transmute negative energies in your life into positive and uplifting ones. Nephrite Jade also helps open the Heart Chakra to allow good fortune to flow naturally into one's experience of this physical realm.

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