This guide is intended to broadly categorise pounamu for cultural - commercial purposes. It is based on cultural typing rather than standard market typing. It is important to note this as a guide only as variation will occur and points of difference will be important to accept and adopt.
An inclusive and flexible model is recommended.
A GRADE: TOP GRADE POUNAMU (RAW STONE)
Category A Pounamu is based on a combination of stone type and rarity, stone quality and where carved, intricate design.
Stone quality is based on lack of undesired minerals such as iron, color, character and flaws.
Cultural Quality Typing
- Inaka
- Hine Kahuraki
- Hine Kawakawa
- Hine Takiwai
- Hine Hukarere (Snowflake)
- Hine Aotea
A GRADE: RAW STONE
Pounamu (nephrite and bowenite) without visual mineral inclusions such as iron. Some visual fractures complimenting stone by creating character. No visible fractures compromising structural integrity. Deep, vivid or bright color character.
A+ GRADE: RAW STONE
Pounamu (nephrite and bowenite) without visual mineral inclusions such as iron. No visual fractures. Deep, vivid or bright color character.
B GRADE:
B Grade pounamu is a lesser quality of A Grade types of pounamu
Lower quality refers to those stone types which are fractured and / or include mineral content such as iron. Low luster and stone dullness are also factors defining B and C Grade stones.
B+ GRADE: RAW STONE
Pounamu with minor scattered visual mineral inclusions such as iron. Some visual fractures complimenting stone by creating character. No visible fractures compromising structural integrity. Deep, vivid or bright color character.
Includes Kokopu variety that are hard, tight stone, without fractures.
B GRADE: RAW STONE
Pounamu with midium visual mineral inclusions such as iron. Some visual fractures complimenting stone by creating character. No visible fractures compromising structural integrity. Deep, vivid or bright color character.
Includes Kokopu variety that are less hard and no fractures.
C GRADE:
The least desirable pounamu types. These pounamu are heavily fractured, soft stone and / or includes heavy mineral content such as iron.
- Totoweka / Awarua Totoweka
- Kokopu
C+ GRADE: RAW STONE
High quality C Grade pounamu refers to:
- Low iron content totoweka, no visible fractures.
- Hard, low fractured kokopu
C GRADE: RAW STONE
- High iron content totoweka
- High fractured pounamu of any type compromising carving structure.
- Low translucence.