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Jade - Nephrite
Gemstone Information
Information * Loose gemstones
* Jewelry links
Jade is the gemstone representing the 12th wedding anniversary. Nephrite Jade is derived from the Latin word lapis nephriticus,
meaning "stone of the kidney". Jade was considered a
prized gem in both Chinese and Central American cultures.
In the 16th century, the Chinese believed that ingesting
jade powder would prolong life and strengthen the lungs,
heart, and vocal chords. It has also been told that
handling jade can help one relax by absorbing some of its
secret virtue into the body.
View
examples of cut
jade - nephrite below and prices in our store section.
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ENHANCEMENT CODE N
Click to view
AGTA code.
PROPERTIES
Refractive
Index 1.606-1.632
Hardness = 6-6.5 (Moh's
Scale)
Specific Gravity =2.95
Species - Nephrite
Optic Character - Aggregate
Phenomena - None
WARNINGS FOR
CARE
Ultrasonic: Safe
Steamer: Safe
Heat: Poor; no repairs near stone
Chemicals that
harm: Warm acids
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Crystal Structure
Crystal system: Monoclinic, fine fibrous aggregate.
MAJOR SOURCES
Taiwan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China, US, USSR
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Birthstones |
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January |
Garnet |
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February |
Amethyst |
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March |
Aquamarine |
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April |
Diamond |
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May |
Emerald |
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June |
Pearl/Alexandrite |
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July |
Ruby |
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August |
Peridot |
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September |
Sapphire |
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October |
Opal/Tourmaline |
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November |
Topaz or Citrine |
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December |
Blue Topaz or Zircon |
Cabochon is the
popular cut used in jewelry for jade.
Cabochons are smooth polished surfaces not
faceted. |
Marquise cut
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Round cut |
Oval
shape |
Pear
shape |
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