軟玉(なんぎょく)nangyoku
Nephrite
Nephrite jade is an iron-rich amphibole silicate mineral containing calcium and magnesium. Mostly grey or green (more iron content), nephrite can also be yellow, brown, or white. In China nephrite was often referred to as “jewel” (gyoku), and specimens coming from Khotan was valued as the highest grade. Nephrite is different from jadeite.
69th Annual Exhibition of Shōsō-in Treasures, 2017