Also known as bowenite, tangiwai is gem-grade antigorite serpentine, and a close chemical cousin to nephrite jade. As such, it's often found in association with it. As a stone, it's a little softer than jade, but more transparent and with a pleasing range of hues from dark greens to the point of blackness, all the way through to navy blues. This simple pendant form possesses a viridian hue - a shade perched evenly between dark blue and deep green.
 
Measuring in at 81mm long and 44mm wide at its widest point, this is a slender and lightweight piece that shows excellent transparency when held up in daylight, with a fine smattering of inclusions that add interest to the piece overall. Its extreme lightness mean that even with its larger size, this is a comfortable piece for even the most petite wearer. And excellent piece for formal and fancy wear, yet rugged enough for the everyday wearer as well.