Greenstone - Pounamu

The word Pounamu is derived from two words – Namu meaning Green and the affix Pou meaning “to make up”. This Maori name is applied to cover the colour and preciousness of the native “Greenstone”.

The mineral species Jadenite covers two minerals Nephrite and Bowenite. Pounamu belongs to the Nephrites and is often called Nephrite Jade.

Pounamu is only found in the south Island of New Zealand and is highly prized by Maori for the crafting of tools, neck pieces and ear drops called “tangiwai” (tear water). The following native names describe the various kinds of Pounamu:

Kahurangi – a translucent stone of pale green (the most prized)

Kokotangiwai – a transparent stone with markings that look like drops of water.

Kahotea – a dark vivid green stone with spots of black and brown.

Kawakawa – a rich pure green with no spots or markings.

Auhunga – a slightly paler version of Kawakawa.

Inunga – Is paler yet, grey or creamy white named after the native whitebait fish.

Aotea – Is a cloudy white stone.

The native Maori, with a keen eye for subtleties of colour and quality, also have names for the different in-between shades such as Tongarewa, Totoeka, Korito, Kutukutu, Kohuwai and Tuapaka.