nephrite Min.
(ˈnɛfraɪt)
[a. Gr. nephrit (Werner 1780), f. Gr. νεϕρ-ός, in allusion to its supposed efficacy in kidney disease: cf. jade n.2]
The mineral jade.
| 1794 Kirwan Elem. Min. I. 171 Jade. Nephrit of Werner. 1816 P. Cleaveland Min. 272 Nephrite does not receive a brilliant polish. 1865 Lubbock Preh. Times 132 Flint was sometimes used, and nephrite, or jade, in a few cases. 1879 Rutley Stud. Rocks x. 131 Nephrite or jade is in part a tough compact fine-grained tremolite. |