Nephrite: meaning, properties, care & jewellery

Nephrite is one of the two classic varieties of jade and has been regarded as a gemstone with special symbolic power for thousands of years. With its fine shades of green - from a delicate, misty light green to a deep, rich dark green - nephrite is a symbolic stone. Nephrite jewellery for harmony, protection and balance. As natural stone (real stone) Nephrite has a discreet yet expressive effect - perfect for anyone who wants to make an elegant, anderstated statement.

In this guide you will learn what characterises nephrite, how genuine nephrite can be recognised, how to care for nephrite jewellery properly. In the COEUR DE LION collections, nephrite is used as a natural stone of the highest quality and used with Stainless steel 316 Lsome refined with gold or rose gold, crystals and other jewellery components. The result is nephrite bracelets, nephrite chains, and earrings with nephrite that are "timelessly beautiful - designed to last" and accompany every movement with a touch of jade elegance.

Note: Symbolic and spiritual meanings of nephrite originate from tradition and esotericism. They are not scientifically proven and do not replace medical advice.

• Nephrite is one of the two real jade species next to jadeite.
• Mineralogically, nephrite consists mainly of fine-fibre amphiboles of the tremolite-actinolite series.
• Nephrite is known above all for its exceptional toughness.
• Typical are green, grey-green, white, creamy or darker colour nuances.
• The following are sufficient for care: lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth.

Nephrite is a favourite because of its quiet elegance, its smooth feel and natural colour effect, it is particularly popular for elegant genuine stone jewellery. Discover real stone chains, real stone earrings and real stone bracelets with a natural look. You can also find many designs in our FINE EDITION and in models of the birthstone collection.

Nephrite is a variety of jade and mineralogically belongs to the amphibole group (tremolite-actinolite series). Chemically, it is a calcium-magnesium-iron silicate with an impressive combination of hardness and exceptional toughness. Nephrite is often found in compact, tight units and usually acts translucent to opaque. Typical are a rather oily to waxy lustre and a soft, closed surface. In jewellery, nephrite is used especially for beads, cabochons, pendants and smooth polished stone elements.

With a hardness of about 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale, although nephrite is somewhat softer than some other gemstones, its fibrous, interlocking structure makes it extremely resistant to breakage - one of the reasons why it has been used for thousands of years in jewellery, tools and art objects.

In the jewellery world, nephrite is used in the form of:

• fine pearls for nephrite bracelets

• polished, round or elongated stone elements for nephrite chains

• decorative stones for earrings with jade (nephrite)

• inlays for rings and pendantsprocessed - ideal for high-quality gemstone jewellery for women.

Nephrite is best known in green to grey-green tones, but also comes in whitish, creamy, yellowish, brownish or very dark colour variants. Darker inclusions or cloudy colour gradients are typical of natural material and emphasise the organic character of the stone.

Nephrites with uniform, harmonious colour effect, fine structure and beautiful polish. Compared to jadeite, nephrite often appears somewhat softer lustre and usually less glassy.

Nephrite is one of the most important jewellery and art materials in terms of cultural history. It has been used in many regions of the world since very early times for tools, jewellery, cult objects and carvings. In Asia in particular, nephrite developed an extraordinary cultural significance over thousands of years and was associated with value, durability and beauty:

• In China, nephrite was considered the "stone of heaven" for thousands of years and was used for amulets, jewellery, ceremonial vessels and figurines long before jadeite became known.

• In many cultures, nephrite was used for tools, weapons and ritual objects because of its toughness - as a symbol of strength and durability.

Today, nephrite jade jewellery is more synonymous with fine elegance and a conscious connection to nature - a gemstone for people who value history, symbolism and timeless design.

From a geological point of view, nephrite is a metamorphic rock, which forms under high pressure and comparatively low temperatures. It consists of tightly interwoven, fibrous crystals of the tremolite-actinolite series - this structure makes nephrite one of the toughest natural stones ever.

Important features at a glance:

• Mineral class: Inosilicate (amphibole group)

• Chemical formula: Ca₂(Mg,Fe)₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂

• Hardness: approx. 6-6.5 Mohs

• Colour: Green in many shades, as well as white, grey, brown or almost black

• Lustre: silky to waxy, polished slightly glassy

This combination of look, feel and durability makes nephrite ideal for high-quality gemstone jewellery that should give pleasure for a long time.

Anyone who wants to buy nephrite jewellery should pay attention to some typical characteristics. Genuine nephrite usually shows a fine, dense structure, a harmonious colour effect and a rather soft, oily to waxy lustre. Compared to jadeite, nephrite is often somewhat less glassy and less transparent.

Nephrite is considered robust and suitable for everyday use. So that nephrite jewellery stays beautiful for a long time, simple care steps are recommended. The following are sufficient for cleaning: lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth. The piece of jewellery should then be carefully dried. Gentle handling is always advisable for particularly high-quality polished pieces of jewellery.

Avoid aggressive cleaning agents. If possible, you should avoid unnecessary chemical exposure and hard knocks. It is best to store nephrite jewellery separately in a soft pouch or case so that the surface remains protected and retains its natural lustre.