thumb|Polished slab of bowenite serpentine, a variety of [[antigorite.]] Bowenite is a hard, compact variety of the serpentinite species antigorite (Mg<sub>3</sub>(OH)O<sub>4</sub>Si<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>). Classed as a semi-precious gemstone, it has been used for tools, weapons and jewellery by the Māori in New Zealand, Deposits are found in several places around the world including Afghanistan, China, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States. The South Island deposits are legally protected, and taking material without Ngāi Tahu permission has led to prosecutions. In 1992 Ngāi Tahu approved the 'Pounamu Resource Management Plan' to manage deposits of this commercially valuable resource.
Bowenite is the state mineral of the U.S. state of Rhode Island.
References
- Mindat with mineral data