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This Specimen has been sold.
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2.85" Polished Swazi Jade (Nephrite) Sphere - South Africa
This is a 2.85" wide polished sphere that was formed from green jade var. nephrite. The jade was collected from Swaziland, South Africa. This sphere features neat patterns and a waxy green coloration throughout. There are also small spots of pyrite with excellent metallic luster peppered throughout this sphere.
Comes with the pictured display stand.
Comes with the pictured display stand.
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.
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.
SPECIES
Jade var. Nephrite & Pyrite
LOCATION
Swazliand, Southern Africa
SIZE
2.85" wide
CATEGORY
ITEM
#128400
