Weight – 3.82 oz’s – 108.3 gm’s
Dimensions – 3.390″ Across x 1.609 Long (8.611 x 4.087 cm’s)
Country of Origin – Kimiākau, Otago Peninsula, New Zealand
Polished New Zealand Aroha Stone ( Piemontite Schist) Free Form
USD $29.00
SKU: P5706
Aroha Stone — sometimes called Purple Schist or Piemontite Schist — is a uniquely New Zealand stone known for its rich pink and violet hues with silvery mica sparkle. The word Aroha means love, compassion, and empathy in Māori, reflecting the gentle and heart-centered energy this stone is known for.
Geologically, it is a form of metamorphic schist that contains piemontite, a manganese mineral that gives the purple and magenta tones. It is most commonly found in the Otago region of the South Island, especially around the Queenstown and Wanaka areas where the country’s schist formations are exposed. We have provided a handful of images showcasing the beauty of this special crystals origin.
As much as New Zealand Lapidary experts love this stone to work with, it is also known as being notoriously difficult to get it to take a good polish – this specimen is from a small group that were polished to perfection by an absolute master of the craft – Awesome!
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Aroha Stone Origins & Provenance
Aroha Stone, also known geologically as Piemontite Schist and sometimes referred to as Purple Schist, is a stone unique to New Zealand. It is primarily found in the Otago region of the South Island, particularly around Queenstown and Wanaka, where ancient metamorphic schist formations are exposed at the surface.
The stone’s distinctive pink, magenta, and violet coloration comes from the presence of the manganese-bearing mineral piemontite, while fine silvery mica inclusions give many specimens a subtle sparkle and sheen. These schist formations formed under intense pressure and heat deep within the Earth during tectonic activity associated with the uplift of the Southern Alps.
Aroha Stone is not widely exported and remains relatively unknown outside New Zealand, making it a locally treasured material for carvers, lapidaries, and collectors.
Metaphysically, Aroha Stone is associated with compassion, love, and emotional grounding, qualities reflected in its Māori name “Aroha,” meaning love, empathy, and compassion.
Aroha Stone Geological Information
Aroha Stone is a metamorphic schist composed primarily of quartz, feldspar, mica, and piemontite. The schistose structure results in visible layering and a platy texture typical of regional metamorphism.
Physical Characteristics
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Metamorphic (Schist) |
| Key Mineral | Piemontite (Manganese Silicate) |
| Associated Minerals | Quartz, Feldspar, Mica |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 5 – 6 (variable) |
| Common Colors | Pink, violet, magenta, silver-grey |
| Structure | Schistose, layered |
| Primary Locality | Otago, South Island, New Zealand |
The manganese content within piemontite is responsible for both the coloration and the mineral’s association with regenerative geological processes.
Aroha Stone Care & Handling
Handling:
Aroha Stone is moderately durable but may cleave along schist layers if struck. Handle with care, especially carved or thin pieces.
Cleaning:
Clean gently with a soft cloth. Brief water exposure is acceptable, but avoid prolonged soaking.
Storage:
Store away from harder stones to prevent surface scratching. Lay flat to reduce stress along natural planes.
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