11.2" Polished Jade (Nephrite) Obelisk - Afghanistan

This is a 11.2" tall obelisk made from nephrite jade collected from Afghanistan. The entire tower has been polished to a glossy finish to highlight the gorgeous green coloration.

About Nephrite Jade

Nephrite jade is a beautiful, tough, and historically significant variety of jade composed primarily of the amphibole minerals actinolite and tremolite. It is known for its smooth, waxy luster and comes in shades ranging from creamy white (often called "mutton fat jade") to various greens, grays, and even browns or blacks depending on its iron content. Unlike jadeite, the other mineral classified as jade, nephrite has a fibrous crystal structure, giving it exceptional toughness—making it ideal for carving.

Nephrite jade has been prized for thousands of years, particularly in Chinese, Maori, and Mesoamerican cultures, where it was used not only for ornamental carvings and jewelry but also for tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects. Significant deposits are found in China, British Columbia (Canada), New Zealand, Russia, and the western United States. Its durability, rich coloration, and deep cultural heritage make nephrite jade both a gemstone and an artifact of enduring human connection.

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DETAILS
SPECIES
Jade var. Nephrite
LOCATION
Afghanistan
SIZE
11.2" Tall
CATEGORY
ITEM
#232321