The colour of pounamu varies from almost white to almost black, but what you will mostly see for sale will be a mid-green.  Maori have names for the different shades of green it comes in.  Here are just some examples:

- Inanga: this pearly white greenstone is named after a native fish.  It is particularly prized when made into a mere.  
- Kawakawa: this is the most common greenstone colour, a mid green usually made into jewellery.  The name kawakawa comes from the kawakawa native tree.
- Flower or Marsden jade: greenstone with yellow and brown, due to other minerals seeping into the stone over time.
- Kahurangi: a striking light green stone, very translucent, and quite rare, so highly prized.
- Kokopu: an olive green shade, speckled with dark spots that mimic the spots on native freshwater fish.
- Tangiwai: translucent greenstone, in many different shades of green.