How to Tell if New Zealand Greenstone Is Real (A Simple Guide for Kiwis in Australia)

Your go-to guide from The Sanctuary BNE 💚

If you’re a Kiwi living in Australia (or shopping for someone who is), you’ve probably wondered at some point: “Is this actually real greenstone?”
Fair enough — with so many fakes on the market, plus “greenstone-inspired” pendants floating around Etsy and marketplaces, it can get confusing fast.

So today we’re breaking it down:
How to tell if New Zealand greenstone (pounamu) is real — without needing to be a gem expert.

Whether you're shopping online, comparing your pendant to something a mate bought in NZ, or just wanting reassurance, this guide will help you feel confident and clued-up.

💚 First Things First: What Exactly Is “Real” Greenstone?

Authentic New Zealand greenstone — also known as pounamu — comes only from the South Island of Aotearoa, specifically Te Waipounamu.
It’s a legally protected taonga (treasure) and can’t be mined casually or taken without proper permission.

So when we talk about “real,” we mean:

**✔ Sourced from New Zealand

✔ Carved from genuine pounamu
✔ Created by an expert carver
✔ Not dyed, chemically treated, or factory-moulded**

If it ticks those boxes — you’re holding the good stuff.

How to Tell if Greenstone Is Real (5 Easy Checks)

1. Look for Natural Variations — No Two Pieces Are the Same

Real pounamu has tiny variations in:

• colour

• grain

• marbling

• translucency

Even two pendants carved from the same block will differ slightly.
If yours looks too perfect, like a perfectly even shade with no character — it may be dyed or imitation stone.

Signs of authenticity:
✔ swirls, streaks, or natural marks
✔ slightly varied shades within the same piece
✔ shifting colour when held to the light

Real pounamu is beautifully individual — just like us Kiwis abroad.

2. Feel the Weight and Temperature

Authentic pounamu is:

• cool to the touch

• heavier than it looks

• smooth with a natural density

Plastic or resin fakes are usually warm, light, and a bit too “glassy” feeling.

The quick test:
Hold it in your hand.
Real greenstone stays cool for a while before warming to your skin.

3. Check the Price (Sorry, But It Matters)

If a “greenstone” pendant is:

• $15 on Wish,

• $20 on Temu,

• or listed as “NZ-style” or “Maori-inspired”…

…it’s not the real deal.

Authentic pounamu isn’t cheap — it’s a protected natural stone carved by skilled New Zealand artisans.
Real pounamu pendants typically range from $90 to $600+ depending on size, detail, and type of stone.

If the price feels too good to be true — it probably is.

4. Look for a Meaning or Authenticity Card

Reputable NZ sellers include:

• a meaning card (explaining the carving and symbolism)

• details about the stone

• the carver or region

• information about caring for greenstone

At The Sanctuary BNE, every piece includes a meaning and care card, plus a flax-inspired kete and branded pouch so you know exactly what you’re receiving.

If the listing includes no information at all, that’s a red flag.

5. Ask Where the Stone Comes From

A trustworthy seller will clearly say:

“Carved from authentic New Zealand pounamu.”

If the description says things like:

• “NZ-style greenstone”

• “Maori-inspired pendant”

• “Jade-like stone”

• “Jade” (with no mention of New Zealand)

• “Imported stone”

…you’re likely looking at a Chinese jade or a dyed stone, not pounamu.

At The Sanctuary BNE, we make it easy:
If it says greenstone on our site, it’s real NZ pounamu — full stop.

What About Colour? Does Real Pounamu Have to Be Dark Green?

Nope!
Real pounamu comes in a range of natural tones:

• deep kawakawa green

• lighter mint tones

• mossy greens

• smokey or inanga grey-green

• streaked, marbled, or slightly cloudy stone

Each region of NZ produces its own unique look.
So don’t stress if your pendant is lighter or darker than your cousin’s — that’s part of the charm.

What Fake Greenstone Usually Looks Like

You’ll often find:

• bright, neon green colours

• plastic-smooth surfaces

• perfectly even colouring

• too-light weight

• “glassy” transparency

• noticeable seams or mould lines

If it looks like it came from a $2 shop or a tourist stall in Bali — trust your gut.

The Easiest Way to Guarantee Your Greenstone Is Real?

Buy from a trusted NZ-based carver or a reputable seller who specialises in New Zealand gifts — especially one who can explain the stone, symbolism, and origin.

At The Sanctuary BNE, our greenstone comes directly from experienced New Zealand carvers and every piece includes:
✔ Meaning & care card
✔ Kete-style pouch
✔ Clear description of stone type
✔ Slightly unique colouring (as real pounamu should have!)
✔ Fast shipping within Australia — no customs headaches

If you ever have questions, you can always message me and I’ll help you choose the right piece.

Shop Authentic New Zealand Greenstone in Australia

Whether you’re after a koru, toki, heart, manaia or twist, you can find the full collection here:

👉 Shop Greenstone Collection
https://www.thesanctuarybne.com/collections/greenstone

Bring a little piece of Aotearoa with you — wherever you are in Australia. 💚