Definitions for "nephrite"
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.
A hard fibrous green to white rock often used for the manufacture of adze-blades. Commonly called jade.
The mineral jade, in the narrowest sense - an old charm against kidney disease. - (Chambers, 849.) Nephrite Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH,F)2 occurrs in New Zealand, Central Asia, Siberia, and parts of North America.