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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.

About this item

Private collection
Photograph by Simon Nathan

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

How to cite this page:

Simon Nathan. 'Rock and mineral names', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 24-Sep-11
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/rock-and-mineral-names/1/6