What kind of jade is from New Zealand?

Nephrite jade
In New Zealand, Nephrite jade is known as “greenstone” or “pounamu” and it plays a very important role in Maori culture. It is considered as a “Taonga” (or treasure). The jade is only found in the South Island of New Zealand, known in the Maori language as “Te Wai Pounamu” (“The Greenstone Water”).

Is there jade in New Zealand?

New Zealand’s jade fields may be small, but they’re home to the finest nephrite specimens in the world. These days, it’s incredibly rare to find New Zealand nephrite jade in its origin rock, with the pounamu typically freed by glacial movements, landslides, and erosion from streams and rivers.

How do I know if I have greenstone?

When looking for greenstone, follow the tide line where it is wet. Greenstone will only appear green when they are wet. It will help you spot them very easily as opposed to looking between one dry grey stone and another.

How can you tell if a rock is greenstone?

Look Where it’s Wet When looking for greenstone, follow the tide line where it is wet. Greenstone will only appear green when they are wet. It will help you spot them very easily as opposed to looking between one dry grey stone and another.

Can you take greenstone If you find it?

Re: Pounamu / Greenstone where can we find it? Even if you “ find” it you are not allowed to take it as it is taonga ( sacred treasure ) and as such belongs exclusively to Ngai Tahu, the local Maori “ tribe”.

Can you take greenstone you find?

Ngāi Tahu sells the pounamu to registered pounamu carvers throughout New Zealand. However, anyone is welcome to fossick on beaches for pieces to take home for themselves – as long as there has been no restrictions placed on that beach by kaitiaki runanga (the local Māori assembly with a guardianship role of the place).

How can you tell if jade is real or not?

Scratch your bracelet’s surface with a steel object like a knife or needle. If it leaves a clear mark, the jewelry piece is not genuine. Other jewelry gemstones like topaz or amethyst will nick jade easily, so that’s a good way to tell real jade from fake. No powdery substance should come off because of the scraping.

Can you wear greenstone If you are not Maori?

It is not considered culturally appropriate to wear someone else’s greenstone (pounamu) unless it has been formally gifted to you by way of ceremony.

Do you have to bless greenstone?

Its customary to bless a Pounamu before wearing it! This tradition not just begins with Pounamu, but is an integral part of the Maori culture.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10POpqwxFBo