The Collaborative International Dictionary
nephritic stone
nephrite \neph"rite\ (?; 277), n. [Cf. F. n['e]phrite. See
nephritis.] (Min.)
A hard compact mineral, of a dark green color, formerly worn
as a remedy for diseases of the kidneys, whence its name;
kidney stone; a kind of jade. It varies in color from white
to dark green. It is the more common and less valuable
variety of jade, the other being jadeite. Large deposits are
found in Australia. Called also nephritic stone. See also
Jade.
--[MW10]