neph·rite (n f r t )n. A white to dark green variety of jade, chiefly a metasilicate of iron, calcium, and magnesium. [Greek nephros, kidney (from the belief that it cured kidney diseases) + -ite.] |
nephrite [ˈnɛfraɪt]
n
(Earth Sciences / Minerals) a tough fibrous amphibole mineral: a variety of jade consisting of calcium magnesium silicate in monoclinic crystalline form. Formula: Ca2Mg5Si8O22(OH)2 Also called kidney stone
[via German Nephrit from Greek nephrós kidney, so called because it was thought to be beneficial in kidney disorders]
| nephrite (nfrt) A green to blue variety of jade. Nephrite is an amphibole and is the least precious form of jade. Chemical formula: Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | nephrite - an amphibole mineral consisting of calcium magnesium silicate in monoclinic crystalline form; a source of jade that is less valuable than from jadeite; once believed to cure kidney disorders amphibole - a mineral or mineral variety belonging to the amphibole group amphibole group - a group of minerals with similar crystal structures containing a silicate chain and combinations of chiefly sodium and calcium and magnesium and iron and aluminum |
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