New Zealand greenstone is formed by the metamorphism of basalt. It is composed of chlorite and epidote which makes the greenstone a mid to dark green colour. Basalt Basalt is an extrusive igneous rock, sometimes porphyritic, and is often both fine-grained and dense. ... Chlorite is a group of phyllosilicate minerals often classified as clays. ... Epidote is a calcium aluminium iron sorosilicate mineral, Ca2(Al, Fe)3(SiO4)3(OH), crystallizing in the monoclinic system. ...

Greenstone rocks are generally found in rivers. However they appear as nondescript boulders and stones, are difficult to identify without cutting them open. The mining of greenstone is closely controlled. The El Chino Mine located near Silver City, New Mexico is an open-pit copper mine Mining is the extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the earth, usually (but not always) from an ore body, vein, or (coal) seam. ...

The Maori word for greenstone is pounamu. They call the South Island of New Zealand Te Wai Pounamu, meaning "The Greenstone Water". Greenstone is highly valued by the Maori and it plays an important role in their culture. It is considered a taonga or treasure, and so is protected under the Treaty of Waitangi. Te Puni, Māori Chief Māori is the name of the indigenous people of New Zealand, and their language. ... South Island The South Island forms one of the two major islands of New Zealand, the other being the North Island. ... Māori culture is a distinctive component of New Zealand culture. ... Taonga is the Maori word for a treasured thing, whether tangible or intangible. ... The Treaty of Waitangi (Māori: Te Tiriti o Waitangi) was signed on 6 February 1840 at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. ...

Greenstone is a very hard stone and must be worked with care and patience. Often diamond tools are needed to carve it, and it can be turned into beautiful jewellery. Much of this is in traditional Maori designs. A scattering of round-brilliant cut diamonds shows off the many reflecting facets. ... Jewellery (spelled jewelry in American English) consists of ornamental devices worn by persons, typically made with gems and precious metals. ...

Because greenstone is so hard it has been used as an alternative to iron in axes and similar hand tools. The Maori club, the mere, was often made of greenstone. Greenstone artifacts were often given as gifts to seal important agreements. A mere is a Maori war club about 12 inches (30 cm) in length. ...

External link

• http://www.ngaitahu.iwi.nz/Office/The%20Settlement/The%20Crowns%20Settlement%20Offer/Cultural%20Redress/Pounamu

See also

Greenstone Digital Library Software Greenstone Digital Library Software is a suite of software for building and distributing digital library collections. ...