About Pounamu - New Zealand Greenstone

Pounamu is the New Zealand Maori name for the Greenstone that comes from New Zealand, otherwise known as nephrite jade.

Scientists believe that greenstone was formed millions of years ago through a chemical reaction deep within the earth between neighbouring deposits of volcanic and sedimentary rocks. Namely dunite and greywacke. Under pressure, these two rocks literally cooked themselves into greenstone.

During the rising up of the Southern Alps from the Pacific Ocean many millions of years ago, segments of pounamu rose to the surface. And as happens today, greenstone rocks were carried by rivers down to the sea, where they were collected (today only by members of one Maori tribe, Ngai Tahu).

Greenstone has been classified by Maori into several different types, based on their colour. The colour is dependent on the mix of rock that formed the greenstone, and the particles of mostly iron and chromium that can be in it as well. Some of the most common colours are kawakawa, inanga, and kaharangi. Probably the most popular is kawakawa, a gorgeous medium green that is almost luminous when a piece is held up to the light.

Pounamu has a tight crystalline structure which makes it incredibly strong, like steel. This made it ideal for traditional Maori weapons, such as the greenstone mere (club) shown above. Nephrite jade can also be cut, shaped and polished, so it was also highly valued for making into necklaces and earrings, particularly the hei tiki necklace.

Today, New Zealand's greenstone is made into replica Maori weapons, jewellery and ornaments like the items below, all available from Shopenzed.com.