Vintage New Zealand greenstone / pounamu letter opener / paper knife

Jadeite and jade are two different types of minerals that are often used interchangeably to refer to a green-colored gemstone that has cultural and spiritual significance in many parts of the world.

Jadeite is a pyroxene mineral with the chemical formula NaAlSi2O6. It is one of the two types of minerals that are commonly referred to as "jade" (the other being nephrite). Jadeite is a relatively rare mineral that is found in metamorphic rocks in certain regions of the world, including Myanmar (formerly Burma), Guatemala, and California. It is known for its bright green color, which is caused by the presence of chromium and other trace elements. Jadeite is also valued for its hardness and toughness, which makes it suitable for use in jewelry and other decorative objects.

Jade, on the other hand, is a term that is used more broadly to refer to a variety of green-colored more... gemstones, including both jadeite and nephrite. It is often associated with Chinese culture, where it has been used for thousands of years in art, jewelry, and other decorative objects. Jade is believed to have a range of spiritual and healing properties, including promoting harmony and balance, and is often associated with good luck and prosperity.

Pounamu is a type of greenstone that is highly valued by the indigenous M?ori people of New Zealand. It is also known as New Zealand jade or by its mineral name, nephrite.

Pounamu is found in several locations in the South Island of New Zealand, including the Arahura River, the Marsden Valley, and the West Coast. It is typically dark green in color, although it can also be light green, gray, or white. Pounamu is known for its hardness, durability, and toughness, which make it a popular material for carving, jewelry, and other decorative objects.

For the M?ori people, pounamu is considered a taonga, or treasure, and is highly valued for its spiritual and cultural significance. It is often used to represent strength, resilience, and connection to the land and the ancestors. Pounamu is also used in many traditional M?ori ceremonies and rituals, and is

While jadeite and jade are often used interchangeably, it is important to note that not all green-colored gemstones are actually jade. To be considered true jade, a stone must be either jadeite or nephrite and have certain specific physical and chemical properties.