Chrysanthemum Stone

Chrysanthemum stones, formed hundreds of millions of years ago, are appreciated for their naturally occurring celestine crystals, which resemble chrysanthemum blossoms. Artisans near Qinghai, China carved this specimen to add dimension. Chrysanthemums represent autumn, endurance, and long life, making this stone symbolic as well as sculptural. It is best to appreciate chrysanthemum stones indoors, as the black field of the rock is a soft shale-like material and will chip if kept outdoors in extreme, particularly icy, conditions.