About Pounamu
Nephrite Jade
Kawakawa
A darker jade, ranging in shade from vibrant green to almost black. It is named after its resemblance to the leaves of the Kawakawa tree. It often has black flecks, adding character to this beautiful stone.
Nephrite Jade
Totoweka
Most like the Kawakawa Pounamu, Totoweka is characterised by its unique reddish-brown spots and streaks. Its name is dervied from toto (blood) and weka (a native NZ Bush Hen).
Nephrite Jade
Flower Jade
Found in the Marsden area, near Greymouth, this jade is generally a rich green with distinctive golden yellow patterns.
Nephrite Jade
Kahurangi
A highly translucent, apple-green jade. Kahurangi is prized for its clarity and flawless nature.
Nephrite Jade
Inanga
Taking its name from a native whitebait, Inanga is milky blueish-green in appearance and can be either highly translucent or opaque.
Nephrite Jade
Kōkopu
Named after a native freshwater trout, the Kōkopu pounamu has distinctive brown spots much like its namesake. Often this stone has a creamy light to darker brown base.
Bowenite
Tangiwai
Known for its translucency, tangiwai can be glass-like in its transparency and clarity. The name come from the Te Reo "tangi" meaning to cry and "wai" being water.
Serpentinite / Pounamu
Douglas Creek
This stone comes from the headwaters of its namesake, the Douglas Creek, and most commonly has a darker green base. It is a serpentinite, meaning it is a metamorphic rock consisting of one or more serpentine minerals, making it a beautiful picture stone with each piece being unique.