Ijokori
Ijokori (literally "green-rock") is a jade-like material from The Iji Islands. It is commonly used to make small trinkets, buttons, and jewelry. The hard properties of ijokori made this the ideal tool in ancient times; many axe heads, spear tips and fishing hooks have been excavated over the years. Today ijokori is used for decorative and traditional purposes now that metalworking techniques have replaced old customs.
Classification
Across The Iji Islands there are many variations of ijokori. The locals use different names to distinguish their qualities, but foreigners rarely use these terms.| Name | Qualities | Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| Lilin Ijokori | Cream coloured or green-grey in tone, varies from translucent to opaque. | Common |
| Segara Ijokori | Very translucent and has a vibrant green colour. | Rare |
| Titik Ijokori | Found in various shades of green, often with flecks, spots or dappled markings. | Common |
| Kasa Ijokori | Clear like glass but in a wide range of shades | Uncommon |
A Rakuwa with ijokori beads.
A woman with ijokori earrings.
Type
Ore/Mineral
The Iji Islands
Colour Variation
Colours of this rock range from cream tones through aqua greens and into very dark pine-like colours.■
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The dots and specks that can be found in Titik Ijokori sometimes have brown, orange or even red tones.
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