'jadeite' originates from the French word 'jade,' which in turn comes from the Spanish 'piedra de ijada,' meaning 'stone of the flank,' referring to its supposed healing properties for kidney ailments.

'piedra de ijada' transformed into the French word 'jade,' and eventually became the modern English word 'jadeite.'

Initially, it referred to a stone believed to cure kidney ailments, but now it is primarily known as a gemstone.