What is Greenstone or Pounamu?
The term Greenstone or Pounamu refers several types of hard, durable and highly valued nephrite jade (kawakawa, kahurangi, īnanga) and bowenite (tangiwai) found in the south island of New Zealand (Aotearoa). In Maori culture Pounamu is considered a taonga or treasure and it was carved into tools weapons or ornaments, Particularly toki (adzes) , mere (clubs) or tiki. Greenstone jewellery is popular among Kiwis (New Zealanders) and it is traditional to buy a pounamu (greenstone) as a gift for others.
