There are many different types of pounamu, each with its own colour, texture, and story:
- Īnanga – Pale grey-green or blue with a soft, glowing look. Named after the small whitebait fish.
- Kōkopu – Speckled like a trout, with browns, reds, and sometimes even blue.
- Totoweka – Deep green with reddish or black patches. Named after the blood of the weka bird.
- Kahurangi – Very light and clear green. This was the most prized variety.
- Kawakawa – Dark green with black specks. Named after the kawakawa plant used for healing.
- Raukaraka – Has yellow and orange mixed in with green, like the leaves of the karaka tree.
- Putiputi (Flower Jade) – Bright green with gold and orange patterns. One of the most colourful types.
Each stone is unique, and the type of pounamu often helps guide what it will be carved into.
Pounamu guide from the Waewae Pounamu store in Hokitika. Image: LEARNZ.
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