Types of New Zealand pounamu colors

Exploring the Colorful World of New Zealand Pounamu

Pounamu, also known as New Zealand jade, is a treasured gemstone deeply ingrained in Māori culture and heritage. Its variety of colors, textures, and unique characteristics make it a fascinating subject for collectors and those interested in Māori art and history. The colors of pounamu are as diverse as the lands from which it comes, each variety carrying its own cultural significance and natural beauty. Below, we explore the many different colors and types of pounamu, showcasing its rare and stunning qualities.

1. Kahurangi – The Emerald Gem

Kahurangi is one of the most highly regarded types of pounamu, and its name literally means "prized" or "precious" in Māori. Known for its bright, vivid apple-green hue, this translucent variety radiates its vibrant color even without light. This stunning stone has historically been used in ceremonial adzes (toki poutangata) and was given to rangatira (chiefs). Kahurangi's smooth, flawless appearance makes it one of the most sought-after stones in modern lapidary work.

2. Kawakawa – The Strong Stone

Named after the kawakawa tree, kawakawa pounamu is found in a rich green to almost black color, with occasional dark inclusions that add to its beauty. Although historically considered too dark for jewelry, its strength and durability make it ideal for tools like adzes and clubs (patu). Kawakawa is one of the most common varieties of pounamu, and its deep, dense appearance contrasts with its light transmission at the stone's edges when sliced thin.

3. Kōkopu – The Trout-like Beauty

Kōkopu pounamu features a distinctive pattern reminiscent of fish skin, with colors ranging from light brown to yellow, olive green, and even golden hues. Named after the kōkopu fish (mountain trout), this variety is often found in the Arahura River and Wainihinihi Creek. Despite its early disregard by the jade industry, kōkopu has gained popularity for its unique patterns and earthy colors.

4. Inanga – The Pearly Jewel

Inanga, named after the native whitebait fish, is one of the most fragile and delicate varieties of pounamu. This stone can range from pearly grey to pale green, sometimes exhibiting a soft blue hue under certain lighting. Its translucent qualities make it a prized stone, though its softness makes it vulnerable to wear. Inanga is highly sensitive to heat, which can cause white burn marks if not polished carefully. Its delicate nature has made it a cherished material for fine carvings.

5. Flower Stone – Nature’s Blooms in Stone

Flower stone is a rare and unique variety of pounamu characterized by blooming, oxidized colorations. These bursts of color, ranging from grey and green to vibrant yellow and orange, make each piece distinct. Flower stone’s patterns are created by oxidation on the stone's surface and are considered a prized variety due to their rarity and beauty. This phenomenon is unique to nephrite jade found in New Zealand.

6. Mutton Fat Stone – The Wax-like Wonder

Mutton Fat pounamu is a relatively rare and lesser-known variety, named for its distinct muddy grey-green color and smooth, waxy appearance when polished. This type of pounamu is prized for its ease of working due to the lack of a distinct grain. Its appearance is understated, but its smooth texture and subtle coloring make it highly valued by collectors and carvers.

7. Pīpīwharauroa – The Shimmering Cuckoo

Pīpīwharauroa, named after the shining cuckoo, features a chatoyant effect, similar to a cat's eye, which creates shimmering bands of light as the stone is moved. This rare effect is most often seen in inanga, tangiwai, and kawakawa varieties. The shimmering qualities of this stone, reminiscent of the bird's green and white plumage, make it a mesmerizing and highly sought-after form of pounamu.

8. Tangiwai – The Ancient Bowenite

Tangiwai, while not technically nephrite jade, is recognized as part of the pounamu family. Known for its glass-like transparency, this stone can range in color from olive green to brown, yellow, and blueish-green. As the most ancient type of pounamu, tangiwai holds a special place in Māori culture. Its name, "tangiwai," translates to "crying water" or "sorrowful tears," and the stone is deeply symbolic of emotional and spiritual healing.

9. Raukaraka – The Olive and Yellow Streaked Beauty

Raukaraka pounamu is named after the karaka tree, and its color spectrum spans olive green to yellow, often with dramatic streaks of color. This opaque variety is not often seen in carved items due to its rarity, but it is highly valued for its hard, streaked appearance. Carvers have recently begun to embrace its contrast, using the natural color variations to create stunning works of art.

10. Totoweka – The Red-Streaked Rarity

Totoweka pounamu is a rare variety that features reddish-brown streaks or spots in a similar appearance to kawakawa. The name "totoweka" is derived from "toto" (blood) and "weka" (native bush hen), reflecting the blood-like red markings within the stone. Found predominantly in South Westland, Totoweka is cherished by collectors for its rarity and the dramatic contrast between its red streaks and green base.

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Conclusion

The diverse range of colors and textures in New Zealand's pounamu showcases not only the natural beauty of the stone but also the deep cultural significance it holds. From the vibrant greens of Kahurangi to the translucent beauty of Tangiwai, each variety carries its own story and is valued for its unique characteristics. Whether you're a collector, carver, or simply an admirer of nature's craftsmanship, understanding the different types of pounamu allows you to appreciate the full spectrum of this precious stone, which has been a part of Māori culture for centuries