Nephrite Nephrite can be found in a translucent white to very light yellow form which is known in China as "mutton fat" jade, in an opaque white to very light brown or gray which is known as "chicken bone" jade, as well as in a variety of green colors. Western Canada is the principal source of modern lapidary nephrite. Nephrite jade was used mostly in pre-1800 China as well as in New Zealand, the Pacific Coast and Atlantic Coasts of North America, Neolithic Europe, and southeast Asia. The name "nephrite" is derived from "lapis nephriticus", which in turn is derived from
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