For a sense of the spiritual value of jade, look into the face of a great carved Buddha. In that face is deep peace, balance and strength. Nephrite jade is believed to promote those qualities in its wearers, offering physical and emotional well-being, especially during unpleasant or difficult situations.
Nephrite is one of several durable stones called "pounamu" by the Maori, and is highly valued among them as a taonga (treasure). Pounamu, shaped into both tools and ornaments, gain prestige and social value as they are handed down through the generations.
Of course, being named the stone of the kidneys, nephrite is believed to cure kidney stones.
