Greenstone: meaning, definitions and examples

In Maori culture of New Zealand, 'greenstone' refers to 'pounamu,' a prized type of nephrite jade used in traditional carving.

• He wore a pendant made of greenstone, a gift from his Maori friends
• Greenstone is often used in Maori jewelry for its beauty and cultural significance

The word 'jade' is commonly used to refer to either of two minerals, nephrite or jadeite. It's often used in the context of gemstones or luxury items.

• She bought a beautiful jade bracelet from the artisan market
• The statues were intricately carved from jade and gleamed in the sunlight

Use 'nephrite' when you need to be specific about this type of jade, which is one of the two distinct minerals known as jade. It's often mentioned in scientific or very detailed discussions about minerals.

• Nephrite is known for its toughness and was commonly used for tools and weapons
• This nephrite sculpture is a fine example of ancient craftsmanship

Typically used to describe a type of green-colored rock that is often used in jewelry and ornamental items.

• She wore a necklace made of polished greenstone
• The museum displayed a collection of ancient greenstone artifacts

This term is used in the context of volcanic rock, describing a dark, fine-grained rock that forms from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava.

• The cliffs are made of solid basalt
• Scientists study basalt to understand volcanic activity

Used to refer to a type of metamorphic rock that has a layered or flaky structure, often containing mica, chlorite, and other minerals.

• The mountains are composed largely of schist
• He collected schist samples for his geology research