Small white jadeite flower with a light green streak. Jadeite is one of the two minerals officially recognized as ‘gemstone’ jade. The name ‘jadeite’ is derived (via French le jade) from the Spanish words ‘piedra de ijada’ which means ‘stone of the loins’. It was believed to cure kidney problems if it was rubbed against the side of the afflicted person's body. The Latin version of the name, ‘lapis nephriticus’, is the origin of the name nephrite which is the other variety of jade (see also Quick Find 8120). As jadeite was only introduced in China by the end of the 18th century during the reign of emperor Qianlong (reigned 1735 – 1796), this flower can easily be dated to the 19th century.