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Greenstone rock is formed by the metmorphization of basalt. It is composed of chlorite and epidote which makes the greenstone a mid to dark green colour.
Greenstone rocks are generally found in rivers. However they appear as nondescript boulders and stones. The rocks need to be cut open to see if they are greenstone. The 'mining' of greenstone is closely controlled.
The Maori know greenstone as pounamu. They call the South Island of New Zealand as Te Wai Pounamu which means "The Greenstone Water". Greenstone is highly valued by the Maori and it plays an important role in their culture. It is considered a taonga or treasure, and so is protected under the Treaty of Waitangi.
Greenstone is a very hard stone and it must be worked with care and patience. Often diamond tools are needed to carve it. However it can be turned into beautiful jewellery. Much of this is in traditional maori designs.
Because greenstone is so hard it has been used as an alternative to iron in axes and similar hand tools. The Maori weapon, the mere, a form of club, was often made of greenstone. Greenstone artifacts are often given as gifts to seal important agreements.