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#jewelleryfacts365 215/365 Gem fact

Friday, September 2, 2016

'Jade', or yu, as it is called in China, is strictly speaking a generic term for two different gems, nephrite and jadeite. It was not until the beginning of the 19th century that mineralogists and gemmologists started to differentiate between them. The name "jade" is derived from the Spanish 'piedra de ijada', loin-stone, jade having been recognised by the Amerindians as a remedy for kidney ailments. Because of its beneficial effect on the kidneys, the stone was also known as 'lapis nephriticus'. That, indeed, is where the term 'nephrite' came from. Jadeite is rarer than nephrite and is therefore regarded as more precious. (source)

Nephrite jade silver earrings

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