Pounamu is the Māori name for greenstone (which is the New Zealand English name). It is a collective name for a few stone types called nephrite jade, bowenite, or serpentinite. It is found in the South Island of New Zealand and is a hard, durable stone. The South Island is actually named for the stone – Te-Wai-Pounamu (“the waters of greenstone”). It is highly valued by the Māori and forms an important part of their culture. The colour ranges from a cloudy light green all the way to a deep emerald. The stone is sourced from riverbeds and boulders, and … Continue reading Pounamu – the sacred stone