Jade mineral

Jade nephrite

   Jade is a name given to two minerals of different composition but having in common the qualities of toughness and compactness which makes them susceptible of being easily carved. One of these min­erals is nephrite, a variety of hornblende. It is found in white and in various shades of green. The other is jadeite, a silicate of aluminum and sodium. This is much the handsomer of the two. It is translucent, and is found in shades from creamy white to delicate green.
   Jade was used by prehistoric races for ornaments, weapons, and various utensils, specimens of which have been found among the relies of the lake-dwellers of Switzerland, and of other primitive peoples. It is believed that the Jade was brought to Europe, however, as it is not found native to that country, but in the Far East. The best-known locality for jade is eastern Turkestan. The Chinese and Japanese use it largely for carved vases and bowls, for boxes and for various kinds of jewelry. They also use it in making implements.
   The word jade is from the Spanish and is part of a phrase meaning "stone of the side," so named because of a belief that this mineral would cure pain in the side, or colic.