Primary Varieties

Pounamu is traditionally categorized into five main types, each with a distinctive spectrum of hues and characteristics:

• Inanga - Silvery white to pale grey-green, often pearly and soft in tone. Named after the native whitebait fish

• Kahurangi - Highly translucent and vibrant apple green, often flawless and prized for its clarity

• Kawakawa - Deep forest green with occasional black specks or inclusions. Strong and durable

• Tangiwai - Technically bowenite (not nephrite) but still classed as Pounamu in New Zealand, with olive to bluish-green tones and high translucency

• Kōkopu - Speckled or mottled appearance, often resembling the native trout it’s named after. Earthy tones with a strong, grounded presence

Beyond the Main Types

Pounamu can range from milky grey to jet black, with some stones blending multiple types in a single piece. While the five listed above are the primary categories, there are many other varieties, each with its own unique beauty and cultural resonance:

• Totoweka

• Raukaraka (Flower Jade)

• Auhunga

• Kahotea

Note: Depending where and what part of the country you are from there may be different name variations on the above.