bowenite

Image:serpentine-bowenite.jpg.]] Bowenite is a hard, compact variety of the serpentinite species antigorite (Mg₃(OH)O₄Si₂O₅).{{cite web|url=http://www.crownminerals.govt.nz/cms/pdf-library/minerals/minerals-overview-pdfs-1/CO11916_7_Pounamu.pdf |title=History of minerals and coal|publisher=New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals|accessdate=16 April 2017}} Classed as a semi-precious gemstone,{{cite web|url=http://www.ri.gov/facts/factsfigures.php|title=State Mineral: Bowenite|publisher=the State of Rhode Island|accessdate=16 April 2017}} it has been used for tools, weapons and jewellery by the Māori in New Zealand, and for jewellery by Fabergé.{{cite web|url=http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?intObjectID=5307035|title= Lot 67; A Carved Bowenite Model of a Frog by FABERGÉ, CIRCA 1900 |publisher=Christie's|accessdate=16 April 2017}} Deposits are found in several places around the world including Afghanistan, China, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States. It typically ranges in colour from dark green to light olive green, and in shades approaching yellow. Bowenite was named by James D. Dana in 1850 after George T. Bowen, who analyzed it in 1822.{{Cn|date=July 2024}}

Image:Pounamu pendant.jpg

Together with nephrite jade the Māori class bowenite as pounamu, which is also known as greenstone, and is of particular significance to the Ngāi Tahu iwi on whose traditional lands on the South Island of New Zealand most deposits are found. Historically it was used for tools, weapons and ornaments, although modern use is limited to jewellery, such as Tiki.{{cite web|url=http://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/exhibitions/pounamu/Artworks.aspx?pirn=1987&oirn=69886|title=Hei pounamu (bowenite pendant)|publisher=Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa|accessdate=16 April 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/gemstones/1/5|title=Bowenite – a rare type of pounamu|publisher=New Zealand Government|accessdate=16 April 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.atonz.com/new_zealand/greenstone.html|title=Greenstone|publisher=A Touch of New Zealand|accessdate=16 April 2017|archive-date=19 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219160531/http://www.atonz.com/new_zealand/greenstone.html|url-status=dead}} The South Island deposits are legally protected, and taking material without Ngāi Tahu permission has led to prosecutions.{{cite web |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/336542 |title=Witnesses allege greenstone theft |date=28 March 2008 |work=The Southland Times |accessdate=21 September 2011}} In 1992 Ngāi Tahu approved the 'Pounamu Resource Management Plan' to manage deposits of this commercially valuable resource.{{Cite news|url=http://ngaitahu.iwi.nz/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Pounamu.pdf|title=Pounamu|work=Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu|access-date=2017-04-15|language=en-US}}

Bowenite is the state mineral of the U.S. state of Rhode Island.

Most deposits of bowenite are small,{{Cn|date=July 2024}} although a large deposit was discovered in South Africa in 1989.{{Cn|date=July 2024}} Deposits in China are in the Suzhou region, which accounts for its also being known as Suzhou jade with carving in elaborate designs.{{Cite web|url=http://english.cntv.cn/program/cultureexpress/20111225/112738.shtml|title=Jade carving industry booms in Suzhou|date=25 December 2011|website=CCTV|access-date=16 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416223842/http://english.cntv.cn/program/cultureexpress/20111225/112738.shtml|archive-date=16 April 2017|url-status=dead}}

{{clear}}