{"product_id":"new-zealand-pounamu-specimen-small-ref-0000-copy-1","title":"New Zealand flower Pounamu Specimen (Small) Ref: 0146","description":"\u003cp\u003ePounamu (commonly called greenstone) is a highly valued, extremely tough type of nephrite jade found only in the South Island of New Zealand. Revered by Māori as a sacred taonga (cultural treasure), it is traditionally carved into tools, weapons, and personal adornments that symbolize strength, protection, and deep connection to the land.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaonga \u0026amp; Mana:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pounamu carries spiritual essence (wairua) and prestige (mana). Historically, it was used to seal peace treaties, prove land titles, and denote chieftainship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTradition of Gifting:\u003c\/strong\u003e While it is perfectly acceptable to buy pounamu for yourself today, it is traditionally gifted to mark major milestones, strengthen relationships, or offer protection. The stone is often blessed before being worn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Legend:\u003c\/strong\u003e According to Māori oral history, pounamu is the physical manifestation of Waitaiki, a woman who was transformed into the stone by the guardian taniwha Poutini to protect her.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTypes of Pounamu\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMāori recognize several varieties of pounamu, classified by their colour and translucency:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKawakawa:\u003c\/strong\u003e The most common variety; it is opaque and features rich, dark to vibrant green shades (named after the kawakawa leaf).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInanga:\u003c\/strong\u003e A pale, greyish-green to milky-white stone that can be translucent.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKahurangi:\u003c\/strong\u003e The most prized and rare variety; it is typically a clear, light green and highly translucent.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTangiwai:\u003c\/strong\u003e Geographically, this is bowenite rather than nephrite. It is remarkably clear and resembles the deep blue-green of a glassy lake or tears.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRef: 0146 (For my use only)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KiwiRocks And Gems From Kiwi Country","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48342660579520,"sku":"0146","price":10.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0756\/6003\/4240\/files\/P_20260527_221210_bd292cb7-7010-42ac-a38f-7e81e5e89987.jpg?v=1780129785","url":"https:\/\/kiwi-collects.myshopify.com\/products\/new-zealand-pounamu-specimen-small-ref-0000-copy-1","provider":"KiwiRocks And Gems From Kiwi Country","version":"1.0","type":"link"}