What’s the difference?
Greenstone / Pounamu / Jade are often the same thing from different angles.
Pounamu is the Maori word for Jade but Tangiwai (Bowenite – a translucent Serpentine) is also included under Pounamu. Tangiwai is another translucent green stone we have in New Zealand and is very similar to Jade though more fragile. I would use Pounamu to describe New Zealand Jade or Tangiwai.
“Greenstone” is the term Captain Cook used to describe Maori Jade carvings. It’s a term that is only used in New Zealand/Australia and is confusing in nature as we have a lot of “green” stones.
Jade is the common word for nephrite. It is used worldwide and is specific. Internationally the term Jade is used for two different stones – Nephrite and Jadeite. In New Zealand all our Jade is Nephrite but overseas the term Jade could be used for either depending on where you are.
Jadeite
Jadeite is a semi precious stone. It is harder than Nephrite so takes longer to carve and finish. It comes in a range of colours a little different than Nephrite. Along with white and green, jadeite comes in reds, lavenders and yellows.
Fake Pounamu?
Jade (both Nephrite and Jadeite) is found in a lot of countries and has been highly valued in different cultures for thousands of years. You could/and do get jades from overseas described as Pounamu. This is obviously deceitful.
This is an ongoing article.
Aaron
Guatemalan blue jadeite eagle ray
