Greenstone, called Pounamu by the Maori, is a highly prized nephrite jade generally found in New Zealand rivers. It is composed of chlorite and epidote which gives the stone a mid-to-dark green colour. They appear as nondescript boulders and are difficult to identify without cutting them open. The mining of greenstone is closely controlled.
Pounamu is highly valued by the Maori people and it plays an important role in their culture. It is considered a taonga or treasure and is protected under the Treaty of Waitangi (flying fish design store is only two kilometers from the historical Treaty House in Waitangi). Greenstone is a very hard stone and must be worked with care and patience. Because it is so hard it has been used as an alternative to iron in axes and other hand tools. The Maori fighting club the mere was often made from greenstone.
Today, diamond tools are often used to carve it and it can be turned into beautiful jewellery. Our range of jewellery at flying fish design store is created by some of New Zealand’s best contemporary jewelers and as you scan the images you will find stunning examples of greenstone, often combined with gold, copper, paua, and silver.
