In fact, when it comes to toughness, nephrite jade is the toughest known natural mineral, tougher even than ceramics and steel. “This explains why it was used in neolithic times for knife blades ...

Chemical analysis of the piece found it is actually made of nephrite, a mineral that is commonly used as “jade,” but different ... “A unique find in Serbia comes from the Early Bronze ...

Nephrite can be found in creamy white shades ... Transparency and texture are other factors when it comes to how much jade is ...