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Nephrite

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Big Photo

Jordanów (Jordansmühl), Gogołów-Jordanów Massif, Lower Silesia (Dolnośląskie), Poland
© E. Szełęg

Show Nephrite Photos (21)



A variety of Ferro-actinolite-Tremolite Series

Nephrite is a rock comprising mostly massive microcrystalline to cryptocrystalline felted amphiboles of the tremolite - actinolite series.

Nephrite is one of the two rocks termed as jade, the other being jadeitite = jadeite jade, consisting mostly of jadeite. Both are extremely tough and resistant to fracture such that they have been used for making choppers and blades since Neolithic times.

In addition to amphibole, nephrite can contain minor to trace amounts of diopside, grossularitic garnet, magnetite, chromite, graphite, apatite, rutile, pyrite, datolite, vesuvianite, prehnite, talc, the serpentine polymorphs and titanite.

White nephrite, termed white jade or mutton-fat jade, is nearly pure tremolite, while most nephrite is green owing to the Fe content in actinolite. Chromium colors nephrite emerald green (via a Na+-Cr3+ vs. Ca2+-Mg2+ substitution) and yellow to brown nephrite is stained by iron oxides and hydroxides introduced along grain boundaries.

Classification of Nephrite

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Other Names for Nephrite

Synonyms:
AoteaAxe-stoneB.C. JadeGrave JadeKidney Stone
Lapis NephriticusNephrite (of Werner)New Zealand GreenstoneNew Zealand JadePounamu
Spinach JadeTalcum NephriticusTomb Jade
Other Languages:
Dutch:Nefriet
French:Néphrite
German:Nephrit
Beilstein
Japanese:ネフライト
Latvian:Nefrīts
Polish:Nefryt
Simplified Chinese:软玉
Spanish:Nefrita
Nephrita
Varieties:
Black Nephrite JadeHetian JadeKunlun JadeLantian JadeManasi Jade
Meiling JadeTremolite JadeWhite JadeXiuyan Jade

Other Information

Health Warning:No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.

References for Nephrite

Reference List:

- +
Ronzio, A.R. and Salmon, M. (1970) Trace elements in jade. Gems and Minerals: 389: 24-25, 45.

Zhenhua Zhou and Jiarui Feng (2010): A petrological and mineralogical comparison between Xinjiang nephrite and Xiuyan nephrite. Acta Petrologica et Mineralogica 29(3), 331-340.

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    • Localities for Nephrite

    The map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
    Hide Locality List
    (TL) indicates type locality. ? indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality. All other localities listed without reference should be considered as uncertain and unproven until references can be found.
    Australia
     
    • South Australia
      • Eyre Peninsula
        • Cowell
    		J Townsend
    Austria
     
    • Salzburg
      • Lungau
        • Zederhaus valley
    		G. Niedermayr, W. Postl, F. Walter: Carinthia II 175./95.:235-252 (1985)
    Canada
     
    • British Columbia
      • Liard Mining Division
        • Cassiar
    		Rocks & Min.:60(1):11.
    Hudson, R. (2006); Gold, Gemstone & Mineral Sites of British Colubia (vol 2, p. 94)
      • Lillooet Mining Division
    		http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/cf/minfile/search/search.cfm?mode=capbib&minfilno=092JNE065
      • Omenica Mining Division
        • Kwanika Creek
    		www.em.gov.bc.ca/cf/minfile/search/search.cfm?mode=capbib&minfilno=093N%20%20043
    www.em.gov.bc.ca/cf/minfile/search/search.cfm?mode=capbib&minfilno=093N%20%20064
    • Québec
      • Chaudière-Appalaches
        • Les Appalaches RCM
          • Saint-Joseph-de-Coleraine
    		Mineralogical Record 40:297-304
    China
     
    • Henan Province
      • Luoyang Prefecture
        • Luanchuan Co.
    		[var: Tremolite Jade] Xiaoxiao Ling, Ruihua Wu, Feng Bai, Jiangning Yin, and Wenwen Li (2008): Acta Petrologica et Mineralogica 27(2), 157-163
    • Jiangsu Province
      • Changzhou Prefecture
        • Liyang Co.
          • Xiaomeiling
    		[Tremolite Jade var: Meiling Jade] Huabang Zhong (1995): Jiangsu Geology 19(3), 176-178; Mingyue He, Younan Zhu, and Hongbo Li(2002): Acta Petrologica et Mineralogica 21(s1), 99-104
    • Liaoning Province (Manchuria; Dongbei Region)
      • Anshan Prefecture
        • Xiuyan Co.
    		[var: Xiuyan Jade] Liangju Zhang (2002): Acta Mineralogica Sinica 22(3), 137-142.
    • Qinghai (Chinghai) Province
      • Golog (Guoluo) Autonomous Prefecture
        • Maqên Co.
    		[var: Kunlun Jade] Ran Li, Zongting Liao, Yujia Li, and Zhengyu Zhou (2004): Journal of Gems & Gemmology 6(1), 17-19
      • Haixi Autonomous Prefecture
        • Golmud (Ge'ermu) Co.
    		[var: Kunlun Jade] http://news.at0086.com/China-Mountain-River-Tours/Shopping-in-Qinghai.html
    • Shaanxi Province
      • Xi'an Prefecture
        • Lantian Co.
    		[var: Lantian Jade] Juanxia Zhang and Baoping Luo (2002): Geology of Shaanxi 12(2), 75-80
    • Xinjiang (Xinjiang-Uygur) Autonomous Region
      • Changji (Sanji) Autonomous Prefecture
        • Manasi (Manas) Co.
    		[Tremolite Jade var: Manasi Jade] Yanling Tang, Dequan Liu, and Ruhong Zhou (2002): Acta Petrologica et Mineralogica 21(s1), 22-25
    [Tremolite Jade var: Manasi Jade] Yanling Tang (2005): Non-metallic deposits of Xinjiang, China [Zhongguo Xinjiang Fei Jinshu Kuangchuang]. Geological Publishing House (Beijing), 289 pp.
    [Tremolite Jade var: Manasi Jade] Yanling Tang (2005): Non-metallic deposits of Xinjiang, China [Zhongguo Xinjiang Fei Jinshu Kuangchuang]. Geological Publishing House (Beijing), 289 pp.
      • Hetian (Khotan; Hotan; Hoten) Prefecture
    		[Tremolite Jade var: Hetian Jade] Yanling Tang, Dequan Liu, and Ruizhong Zhou (2002): Acta Petrologica et Mineralogica 21(s1), 13-21
    [Tremolite Jade var: Hetian Jade] Reuters (2007): China orders crackdown on rush for rare white jade, October 30, 2007
        • Yutian (Keriye) Co.
    		[Tremolite Jade var: Hetian Jade] Yanling Tang (2005): Non-metallic deposits of Xinjiang, China [Zhongguo Xinjiang Fei Jinshu Kuangchuang]. Geological Publishing House (Beijing), 289 pp.
      • Yili Hasake (Ili Kazakh) Autonomous Prefecture
        • Tacheng (Tarbaghatay) Prefecture
          • Shawan Co. (Saven Co.)
    		[Tremolite Jade var: Manasi Jade] Yanling Tang (2005): Non-metallic deposits of Xinjiang, China [Zhongguo Xinjiang Fei Jinshu Kuangchuang]. Geological Publishing House (Beijing), 289 pp.
          • Wusu Co. (Usu Co.)
    		[Tremolite Jade var: Manasi Jade] Yanling Tang (2005): Non-metallic deposits of Xinjiang, China [Zhongguo Xinjiang Fei Jinshu Kuangchuang]. Geological Publishing House (Beijing), 289 pp.
    Germany
     
    • Bavaria
      • Franconia
        • Franconian Forest
          • Bad Berneck
    		F. Müller: "Bayerns steinreiche Ecke", 2nd ed., Oberfränkische Verlagsanstalt und Druckerei GmbH (Hof), 1984
    Italy
     
    • Liguria
      • Genova Province
        • Ne
          • Graveglia Valley
    		Antofilli, Borgo, Palenzona, 1985. I nostri minerali. Geologia e mineralogia in Liguria. Edizioni Melita, La Spezia.
        • Sestri Levante
    		Antofilli M., Borgo E., Palenzona A. (1983): I Nostri Minerali. Geologia e Mineralogia in Liguria. Sagep, Ed., Genova, 295 pp.
    New Zealand
     
    • South Island
      • Arahura Valley
    Russia
     
    • Southern Siberia
      • Sayan Mts
        • Eastern Sayan
    		Pavel M. Kartashov data
    Switzerland
     
    • Grischun (Grisons; Graubünden)
      • Albula Valley
        • Oberhalbstein (Surses; Sursass)
          • Bivio
    		Stalder, H. A., Wagner, A., Graeser, S. and Stuker, P. (1998): "Mineralienlexikon der Schweiz", Verlag Wepf & Co. (Basel), p. 25
      • Puschlav (Poschiavo Valley)
        • Selva
    		Stalder, H. A., Wagner, A., Graeser, S. and Stuker, P. (1998): "Mineralienlexikon der Schweiz", Wepf (Basel), p. 412.
    • Wallis (Valais)
      • Hérens Valley
        • Les Haudères
    		Stalder, H. A., Wagner, A., Graeser, S. and Stuker, P. (1998): "Mineralienlexikon der Schweiz", Verlag Wepf & Co. (Basel), p. 25
    Stalder, H. A., Wagner, A., Graeser, S. and Stuker, P. (1998): "Mineralienlexikon der Schweiz", Verlag Wepf & Co. (Basel), p. 25
    Taiwan
     
    • Taiwan Province
      • Hualien Co.
    		Zhengzhang Tao (1992): Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology 13(4), 21-27
        • Wan-Lon
    USA
     
    • Alaska
      • Northwest Arctic Borough
        • Ambler District
    		U.S. Geological Survey, 2008, Alaska Resource Data File (ARDF): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2008-1225.
        • Kiana District
    		U.S. Geological Survey, 2008, Alaska Resource Data File (ARDF): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2008-1225.
        • Shungnak District
    		U.S. Geological Survey, 2008, Alaska Resource Data File (ARDF): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2008-1225.
    U.S. Geological Survey, 2008, Alaska Resource Data File (ARDF): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2008-1225.
    U.S. Geological Survey, 2008, Alaska Resource Data File (ARDF): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2008-1225.
    U.S. Geological Survey, 2008, Alaska Resource Data File (ARDF): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2008-1225.
      • Valdez-Cordova Borough
        • Tok District
    		U.S. Geological Survey, 2008, Alaska Resource Data File (ARDF): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2008-1225.
    • California
    		Pelletier, 1962. Mineral Species & Localities of Marin County
        • Petaluma area
          • Vonson Ranch
            • Massa Hill
    		Chesterman, C.W. (1951), Nephrite in Marin County, California: (abstract) Geological Society of America Bulletin: 62: 1517; …California Division Mines Special Report 10-B: 3; Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 66; Pemberton, H. Earl (1983), Minerals of California; Van Nostrand Reinholt Press: 397.
      • Mariposa Co.
        • Bagby-Mariposa-Mount Bullion-Whitlock District
          • Bagby
            • Charcoal flat
    		Evans, James R. (1966b) Nephrite jade in Mariposa County. California Division Mines and Geology Mineral Information Service: 19: 135-148; Pemberton, H. Earl (1983), Minerals of California; Van Nostrand Reinholt Press: 397.
    Anonymous (O.E.B.) (1964), New jade deposit found by division: California Division of Mines and Geology, Mineral Information Service: 17: 21; Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 66.
      • Mendocino Co.
        • Coastal Range
          • Mina
    		Anonymous (1950), New jade occurrence in California: California Division of Mines, Mineral Information Service: 3(11): 2; Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 66, 70, 309, 310; Pemberton, H. Earl (1983), Minerals of California; Van Nostrand Reinholt Press: 390.
          • Reeves Place
            • Leech Lake Mountain
    		Chesterman, C.W. (1952), Nephrite and associated rocks at Leech Lake Mountain, Mendocino County, California: Geological Society of America Bulletin: 63: 1323; Pemberton, H. Earl (1983), Minerals of California; Van Nostrand Reinholt Press: 397.
    Chesterman, C.W. (1952), Nephrite and associated rocks at Leech Lake Mountain, Mendocino County, California: Geological Society of America Bulletin: 63: 1323; Pemberton, H. Earl (1983), Minerals of California; Van Nostrand Reinholt Press: 397.
    Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 390; Pemberton, H. Earl (1983), Minerals of California: 409, 410.
    Chesterman, C.W. (1952), Nephrite and associated rocks at Leech Lake Mountain, Mendocino County, California: Geological Society of America Bulletin: 63: 1323; Pemberton, H. Earl (1983), Minerals of California; Van Nostrand Reinholt Press: 397.
            • Williams Creek
    		Chesterman, C.W. (1952), Nephrite and associated rocks at Leech Lake Mountain, Mendocino County, California: Geological Society of America Bulletin: 63: 1323; Pemberton, H. Earl (1983), Minerals of California; Van Nostrand Reinholt Press: 397.
      • Monterey Co.
        • Santa Lucia Mts (Santa Lucia Range)
          • Los Burros District
            • Plaskett
              • Cape San Martin
                • Jade Cove
    		Rogers, Austin Flint (1940), Nephrite jade from Monterey County, California (abstract): Geological Society of America Bulletin: 51: 1941; Crippen, R.A. (1951), Nephrite jade and associated rocks of the Cape Martin region, Monterey County, California: California Division Mines Special Report 10-A, 14 pp.: 3-14; Hart, E.W. (1966) Mines and mineral resources of Monterey County, California. California Division Mines and Geology County Report 5, 142 pp.: 43; Heinrich, G.I. (1969) Botryoidal jade in California. Gems and Minerals: 386: 42; Draper, J.W. (1969) Botryoidal jade of the California Coast. Lapidary Journal: 23: 682-686; Ronzio, A.R. and Salmon, M. (1970) Trace elements in jade. Gems and Minerals: 389: 24-25, 45; Pemberton, H. Earl (1983), Minerals of California; Van Nostrand Reinholt Press: 397-398.
                • Willow Creek
    		Crippen, Richard A., Jr. (1949), Nephrite jade and associated rocks of the Cape San Martin region, Monterey County, California: 1-14; Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 66.
              • Plaskett Creek
                • South of Plaskett Creek
    		Crippen, Richard A., Jr. (1949), Nephrite jade and associated rocks of the Cape San Martin region, Monterey County, California: (abstract) Geological Society of America Bulletin 60: 1938; […California Division Mines Special Report 10-A (1951)]: 1-14; Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 66; Pemberton, H. Earl (1983), Minerals of California; Van Nostrand Reinholt Press: 397-398.
          • Point Sur
    		Rogers, Austin Flint (1940), Nephrite jade from Monterey County, California (abstract): Geological Society of America Bulletin: 51: 1941; Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 66.
      • Riverside Co.
        • Eagle Mts
          • Western Eagle Mountains
    		Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 66.
        • Hexie Mts
          • Chiriaco summit
    		Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 66.
    Saul, R.B., Evans, J.R., and Gray, C.H. (1970) Mines and mineral resources of Riverside County. California Division of Mines and Geology County Report 9. Unpublished manuscript: 267-268; Pemberton, H. Earl (1983), Minerals of California; Van Nostrand Reinholt Press: 398.
      • San Benito Co.
        • Diablo Range
          • Emmett
    		Rob Lavinsky photo
      • Santa Barbara Co.
        • San Rafael Mts
          • Cachuma District
            • Cachuma Village
              • Figueroa Mountain
                • South Slope of Figueroa Mountain
    		Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 66.
      • Siskiyou Co.
        • Klamath Mts
          • Happy Camp
    		Kraft, James L. (1947), Adventure in jade: 34, 35; Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 66, 204; Pemberton, H. Earl (1983), Minerals of California; Van Nostrand Reinholt Press: 399.
      • Tulare Co.
        • Porterville
    		Anonymous (1950), New jade occurrence in California: California Division of Mines, Mineral Information Service: 3(11): 2; Mineral Notes and News (1950), No. 150: 1; Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 66; Pemberton, H. Earl (1983), Minerals of California: 400.
    • Connecticut
      • Litchfield Co.
    		Januzzi, 1976. Mineral Localities of CT and Southeastern NY State; Samuel Robinson (1825) A Catalogue of American Minerals, with their localities. Boston
    • Georgia
      • Murray Co.
        • Chatsworth
    		Rocks & Minerals 54:4 pp161-165
    • Nebraska
      • Morrill Co.
    		The Minerals and Gemstones of Nebraska CSD U Neb EC 2
      • Otoe Co.
    		The Minerals and Gemstones of Nebraska CSD U Neb EC 2
    The Minerals and Gemstones of Nebraska CSD U Neb EC 2
      • Richardson Co.
    		The Minerals and Gemstones of Nebraska CSD U Neb EC 2
      • Saunders Co.
    		The Minerals and Gemstones of Nebraska CSD U Neb EC 2
      • Scotts Bluff Co.
    		The Minerals and Gemstones of Nebraska CSD U Neb EC 2
    The Minerals and Gemstones of Nebraska CSD U Neb EC 2
    • Nevada
      • Esmeralda Co.
    		NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
    • Oregon
      • Baker Co.
        • Durkee
    		Rocks & Min.: 4:80.
      • Jackson Co.
    		Phyllis Richardson
    • Pennsylvania
      • Northampton Co.
        • Forks Township
          • Easton
            • Chestnut Hill
    		Rocks & Min.: 17:344.
    • Washington
      • Skagit Co.
    		www.stonetrails.com
        • Mount Vernon
    		Rocks & Min.: 14:112-113.
      • Snohomish Co.
        • Darrington
          • Jumbo Mountain
    		Minerals of Washington, B. Cannon, 1975
    • Wyoming
      • Carbon Co.
    		Rocks & Minerals 76:384
      • Converse Co.
    		Rocks & Minerals 76:385
      • Fremont Co.
        • Christina Lake
    		Rocks & Minerals 76:386
    Rocks & Minerals 76:386
    Rocks & Minerals 76:386
    Rocks & Minerals 76:387
    Rocks & Minerals 76:387
    Rocks & Minerals 76:387
        • Tin Cup Mountain
    		Rocks & Minerals 76:386
      • Natrona Co.
    		Rocks & Minerals 76:388
      • Teton Co.
    		U.S. Geological Survey, 2005, Mineral Resources Data System: U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia.
    Zimbabwe
     
    • Midlands
      • Shurugwi (Selukwe) District
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    Copyright © Jolyon Ralph and Ida Chau 1993-2011. Site Map. Locality, mineral & photograph data are the copyright of the individuals who submitted them. Further information contact the Site hosted & developed by Jolyon Ralph. Mindat.org is an online information resource dedicated to providing free mineralogical information to all. Mindat relies on the contributions of hundreds of members and supporters. Mindat does not offer minerals for sale. If you would like to add information to improve the quality of our database, then click here to register.
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