Nephrite is a type of jade. Jade can refer to either of two different silicate minerals: nephrite (a silicate of calcium and magnesium), or jadeite.

Nephrite consists of a microcrystalline interlocking fibrous matrix of the calcium, magnesium-iron rich amphibole mineral series tremolite. The higher the iron content, the greener the color.

The famous New Zealand Green Stone is nephrite too, and very similar to Peruvian nephrite.