greenstone

[green-stohn]

noun

1. any of various altered basaltic rocks having a dark-green color caused by the presence of chlorite, epidote, etc.

greenstone

/ ˈɡriːnˌstəʊn /

noun

1. any basic igneous rock that is dark green because of the presence of chlorite, actinolite, or epidote

2. a variety of jade used in New Zealand for ornaments and tools

greenstone

1. Any of various green metamorphic rocks formed from igneous rocks that have a relatively low silica content and owe their color to the presence of a green mineral such as chlorite, hornblende, or epidote.

Word History and Origins

Origin of greenstone¹

First recorded in 1765–75; green + stone

Example Sentences

Along with the bones, the researchers found 1470 fragments of greenstone pendants, beads, plaques, and mosaics.

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Some had exploded into many fragments because of the high temperatures, but the researchers were able to reconstruct a few, such as a greenstone bird figurine, a mask with two polished obsidian eyes, and a greenstone carved diadem.

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The greenstone ornaments are typical of the Late Classic period and the mask and diadem are known to be exclusive to Maya royalty.

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The researchers analysed well-preserved particles of carbonaceous matter -- the altered remains of living organisms -- and the corresponding rock layers from samples of the Barberton greenstone belt, a mountain range in South Africa whose rocks are among the oldest on the Earth's surface.

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“Hamas has used the time and resources over the last 15 years to turn Gaza into a fortress,” said Aaron Greenstone, a former C.I.A. officer who has worked extensively in the Middle East.

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