Griffin Creek, Hokitika, Westland District, West Coast Region, New Zealandi
| Regional Level Types | |
|---|---|
| Griffin Creek | Creek |
| Hokitika | - not defined - |
| Westland District | District |
| West Coast Region | Region |
| New Zealand | Country |
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Latitude & Longitude (WGS84):
42° 48' 1'' South , 171° 21' 12'' East
Latitude & Longitude (decimal):
Type:
Köppen climate type:
Nearest Settlements:
| Place | Population | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Arthur’s Pass | 930 (2011) | 24.0km |
| Hokitika | 3,401 (2018) | 32.9km |
| Gloriavale Christian Church | 570 (2017) | 35.8km |
| Greymouth | 9,419 (2011) | 39.2km |
| Dobson | 738 (2011) | 39.2km |
Jade (nephrite), or as New Zealanders call it greenstone or pounamu can be found in the lower half of the Taramakau River, a distance of about 35 kilometres, as loose boulder float. In situ nephrite is rare, however it was found in 1906 at the headwaters of Griffin Creek, a tributary off the Taramakau River. Material was found in the creek, and on a ridge below Mount Griffin.
No mining took place until 1974, when several tonnes was extracted. The paler green types from this area are rare. Most jade found here is a rich dark green, often with a greyish white or brown rind, except those obtained from the creek or river where the oxidised material has been polished away.
Since 1997, the collecting of nephrite on the South Island requires the permission of the Ngai Tahu, a business and cultural organisation representing Maoris.
Griffin Creek crosses State Highway 73 just east of a locality called Wainihinihi. There is a 4 bunk hut half way up the creek. Despite appearing accessible, the nephrite site is near the summit of the 1571 metre Mount Griffin, and is steep and rugged country to be walking through.
Rock Types Recorded
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Alphabetical List Tree DiagramList of minerals for each chemical element
Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality
Australian Plate
- Haast SchistAccretionary Complex
New Zealand
- South IslandIsland
- Southern AlpsMountain Range
Pacific PlateTectonic Plate
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