noun
- a hard, typically green mineral form of jade, composed of calcium magnesium silicate, used in jewelry and decorative objects
Usage: geology; mineralogy
Examples
- Nephrite is one of the two main types of jade, prized for its durability and rich green color.
- The ancient Chinese carved intricate designs from nephrite for centuries.
- This nephrite bracelet is more affordable than jadeite but equally beautiful.
- Geologists distinguish nephrite from jadeite by its different crystal structure.
- The museum's collection includes several nephrite figurines from the Ming Dynasty.