Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Greenstone
- This article is about a form of green nephrite jade found in New Zealand. For other meanings, see Greenstone (disambiguation).
New Zealand greenstone is formed by the metamorphism of basalt. It is composed of chlorite and epidote which makes the greenstone a mid to dark green colour.
Greenstone rocks are generally found in rivers. However they appear as nondescript boulders and stones, are difficult to identify without cutting them open. The mining of greenstone is closely controlled.
The Maori word for greenstone is pounamu. They call the South Island of New Zealand Te Wai Pounamu, meaning "The Greenstone Water". Greenstone is highly valued by the Maori and it plays an important role in their culture. It is considered a taonga or treasure, and so is protected under the Treaty of Waitangi.
Greenstone is a very hard stone and must be worked with care and patience. Often diamond tools are needed to carve it, and it can be turned into beautiful jewellery. Much of this is in traditional Maori designs.
Because greenstone is so hard it has been used as an alternative to iron in axes and similar hand tools. The Maori club, the mere, was often made of greenstone. Greenstone artifacts were often given as gifts to seal important agreements.
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