Jade Jade Jade refers to an ornamental mineral, mostly known for its green varieties. It can refer to either of two different minerals: nephrite, a silicate of calcium and magnesium, or jadeite, a silicate of sodium and aluminium. Jade is featured prominently in ancient Asian art, as well as having an important place in many other cultures. The English word "jade" is derived (via French "l'ejade" and Latin "ilia" "flanks, kidney area") from the Spanish term "piedra de ijada" (first recorded in 1565) or "loin stone", from its reputed efficacy in curing ailments of the loins and kidneys. "Nephrite" is derived
Ornamental turning of ornamental turning and to restore, maintain and use the old equipment or, to adapt modern lathes for ornamental turning. Some are even bringing the hobby right up-to-date by building computer-controlled O.T. lathes. The accepted definitive published work on ornamental turning is the book "Turning and Mechanical Manipulation", by Charles and John Jacob Holtzapffel. Volume 5, entitled “The Principles and Practice of Ornamental or Complex Turning” is considered to be the "bible" of ornamental turning but there is much related information in the other volumes. Other useful books include: "Ornamental Turning", by J.H.Evans, "The Lathe & Its Uses", by J