Bowenite

Q: What is Bowenite?

Bowenite is a dense, translucent pale green to apple-green variety of antigorite serpentine that has been used as a jade substitute for centuries under the name 'New Zealand jade' or 'tangiwai.' The Māori of New Zealand used it extensively for tools, weapons, and ornaments, and similar material from

Q: What is the hardness of Bowenite?

Bowenite has a Mohs hardness of 5.0 to 5.5, making it moderate for use in jewelry.

Q: How much does Bowenite cost?

Bowenite falls into the Budget (< $50/ct) price range. Prices vary based on color, clarity, cut, and origin.

Q: What is the crystal system of Bowenite?

Bowenite belongs to the Monoclinic crystal system.

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Physical & Optical Properties

Category Semi-Precious Gems

Mohs Hardness 5,0 – 5,5

Specific Gravity 2,58 – 2,8

Refractive Index 1,53 – 1,575

Crystal System Monoclinic

Luster Waxy,Silky,Resinous,Greasy,Dull (Earthy)

Cleavage Perfect

Fracture Uneven,Irregular,Splintery

Color various

Mohs Hardness

Mohs Hardness: 5,0 – 5,5

1 Soft10 Hard

Crystal System

Value & Market

Price Tier Budget (< $50/ct)

Where to Buy Bowenite

Blue Nile Fine jewelry retailer

James Allen Gemstone jewelry

Brilliant Earth Ethically sourced gems

Amazon Wide selection

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Treatments

May be dyed: acetone test. Dyed intense green - chelsea: reddish - Blue Chart Gem Identification, Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, 2010, p 6 5 to 5.5Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) 2.58 to 2.80Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) SectileGemdat.org, Management Team (2012) PerfectGemdat.org, Management Team (2012) Uneven,Irregular,SplinteryGemdat.org, Management Team (2012) 1.530 to 1.575Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) Oily green to bluish green. Common whitish cloudy patchesHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) TranslucentHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) Waxy,Silky,Resinous,Greasy,Dull (Earthy)Gemdat.org, Management Team (2012) MonoclinicHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) May show typical greenish sparkling inclusions (chlorite) - Blue Chart Gem Identification, Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, 2010, p 6 Bowenite information at mindat.org North Korea  South Korea 

About Bowenite

Bowenite is a dense, translucent pale green to apple-green variety of antigorite serpentine that has been used as a jade substitute for centuries under the name 'New Zealand jade' or 'tangiwai.' The Māori of New Zealand used it extensively for tools, weapons, and ornaments, and similar material from Afghanistan has been carved since ancient times. Its toughness, waxy luster, and attractive green color make it a practical and beautiful lapidary material.