Nephrite

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  nephrite \neph"rite\ (?; 277), n. [Cf. F. n['e]phrite. See
     {nephritis}.] (Min.)
     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 {nephritic stone}. See also
     {Jade}. --[MW10]
     [1913 Webster +PJC] Nephritic

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  nephrite
       n : 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