How did Maoris use minerals/rocks? and How do we know early Maori used and valued New Zealand rock?

How did Maoris use minerals/rocks?

Maori used minerals or rocks a very long time ago to chop things. The mineral Maoris used was mudstone. Mudstone was mined and shaped into adzes which are sharp blades to chop things. Volcanic glass was used the same way Pounamu is greenstone and it couldn't be flaked. The only way to shae it was to saw and grind it. A tool or weapon that is made out of greenstone would take a long time to shape. Glassy rocks were made into knives and chisels. It was brittle so they weren't the kind of rock that would be shaped into an ax.

How do we know early Maori used and valued New Zealand rock?

Early Maori did value and use New Zealand rock. They used different rocks to make different equipment.
Scientists have found hidden flakes beneath the sand. The tiny flakes were made from Maori's stone-cutting workshops.