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Types of Nephrite Jade

Nephrite, also known as jade, pounamu, or greenstone, is a precious mineral that has been used in jewelry and ornamentation wherever it has been found in the world. Natural deposits of nephrite have been found in China, the Swiss Alps, New Zealand, Russia, and Guatemala. In New Zealand, jade has a rich cultural history; for the Maori people, it has traditionally been the most important item of trade between tribes. In fact, some items made from nephrite were considered so precious that they conferred considerable status to their owners. Because of the great importance of jade in their society, the Maori people make distinctions between many different types of nephrite on the basis of its appearance and origin.

Kawakawa
- Kawakawa pendants often share the leaf's heart-like shape.
  
  Kawakawa is the most common type of nephrite found in the world. The characteristic rich green color of kawakawa reflects the lush and vibrant landscape from which it is collected. In fact, the name kawakawa refers to the deep, lustrous color of a leaf in New Zealand of the same name. Although it is the most prosaic of the varieties of nephrite, kawakawa is still highly prized wherever it is found.
Kahurangi
- The marking within kahurangi jade are said to resemble clouds
  
  Kahurangi, or kikorangi, is a translucent form of nephrite. It is a delicate, fair green with yet lighter striations within it that resemble clouds. For nephrite to be classified as kahurangi pounamu, it must be free of any defects, spots, or impurities. Consequently, it is one of the rarest and most highly prized of all varieties of nephrite.
Marsden Flower Jade
- Speckles are still visible in unfinished Marsden flower jade.
  
  Marsden flower jade is only found below New Zealand's Westland glaciers, alongside a tectonic boundary. It is an especially delicate and unusually marked jade, distinguished by its beautiful orange, white, and yellow flecks and swirls. These colors can take the form of rolling waves or billowing clouds across the surface of the finished pendant. Marsden flower jade is typically paler than other jade varieties.
Inanga
- The pale whitish color of inanga is often used to symbolize purity.
  
  Inanga is a pale whitish-green form of nephrite. The word "inanga" refers to a tiny, silvery fish that was an important food source for the Maori. Inanga is an especially pure type of nephrite, lacking the imperfections that provide spots, striations, or discoloration. It is fine-textured, easy to work with, and prized for its translucent sheen.

Rocks & Minerals