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From the collection of The Beechworth Burke Museum
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Geological specimen - Greenstone, Hokitika Jade Company, unknown

  • A small mineral specimen of grey-green stone with white and brown veins.

    Greenstone (Configuration 1)

  • A solid mineral specimen of grey-green stone with pale veins running through it.

    Greenstone 9configuration 2)

  • Solid mineral specimen of smooth grey-green rock with pale veins and mottling, marked with a gold sticker that reads "N.Z. Greenstone/ a product of/ Hokitika Jade Coy."

    Greenstone (Configuration 3)

  • Solid specimen of grey-green rock with some light mottling and veins, two sides are smooth, one is more jagged.

    Greenstone (configuration 4)

  • A small mineral specimen of grey-green stone with white and brown veins.
  • A solid mineral specimen of grey-green stone with pale veins running through it.
  • Solid mineral specimen of smooth grey-green rock with pale veins and mottling, marked with a gold sticker that reads "N.Z. Greenstone/ a product of/ Hokitika Jade Coy."
  • Solid specimen of grey-green rock with some light mottling and veins, two sides are smooth, one is more jagged.

Historical information

New Zealand Greenstone, also called Pounamu is found on New Zealand’s South Island in riverbeds and boulders, and colours vary depending on the source, but always include green tones. It is a form of the mineral nephrite, also known as jade, and is a tough stone with a crystalline structure, made up of calcium magnesium and iron silicate. Its hardness means it is ideal for carving, and has been used for this purpose throughout history, especially by the Maori people of New Zealand. Greenstone features heavily in Maori mythology, and the traditional name for the South Island, Te-Wai-Pounamu, literally translates to waters of greenstone. Wearing of Greenstone pendants with different carvings is practiced by Maori to represent connection to land and ancestors, or to endow the wearer with certain attributes.

The sticker on the base of the specimen identifies it as a product of Hokitika Jade Company. The company, which was active in the 1970s, sold jade and greenstone specimens and ornaments. Hokitika, which started life as an 1860s gold rush town, is the origin of most nephrite found in New Zealand, and the centre of the Greenstone carving industry.

Significance

The object has scientific and research potential as part of the Burke Museum's Geology Collection, and as and example of New Zealand Greenstone. It also has spiritual significance for it's role in Maori beliefs and communities, where it is both traditionally worn and features in mythology. As a valuable stone regularly used in carving and jewellery, it has aesthetic significance.

Inscriptions & markings

Sticker on base: "N.Z. Greenstone/ a product of/ Hokitika Jade Coy."

Subjects

References

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