Story: Rock and mineral names

Pounamu boulders

Pounamu boulders

This selection of sawn pounamu boulders illustrates the varied colour and texture in different types of nephrite. All come from the West Coast, mainly around Hokitika. Many boulders have an outer rind of light-coloured weathered material, and the quality of a boulder can only be checked by sawing it open.

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Private collection
Photograph by Simon Nathan

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How to cite this page:

Simon Nathan, 'Rock and mineral names - Local names', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/9070/pounamu-boulders (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Simon Nathan, published 12 Jun 2006