Jade

     There are two types of Jade: Nephrite and Jadeite.  Nephrite is the more common of the two.  
     The most prized variety of Jade is Imperial Jade, which is a rich emerald green because of the chromium it contains.
     Jade occurs in a wide variety of colors, including green, lilac, white, pink, brown, red, blue, black, orange and yellow.  When the Spanish Conquistadores invaded Central America, they began wearing amulets made of Jade.  They called it Piedra de Hijada (loin stone) or Piedra de los Rinones (kidney stone) because they believed it prevented or cured hip and kidney ailments. 
     Nephrite, on the other hand, varies in color from a dark green (iron) to a cream-colored (magnesium) variety.  Because of the interlocking structure of Nephrite's crystal structure, it is tougher than steel and was used for weapons as well as ornaments.

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