Question: what is the difference between jade and pounamu?
Answer: Greenstone / Pounamu / Jade are often the same thing from different angles. Pounamu is the Maori word for NZ Jade but Tangiwai (Bowenite – a translucent Serpentine) and some other Serpentine's are also included under Pounamu. ... Jade is the common word for nephrite. It is used worldwide and is specific.