Chrysanthemum Stone
Chrysanthemum Stone is not a mineral but an ornamental rock of varying composition, mostly consisting of inclusions of celestine, andalusite, aragonite or quartz in a dark matrix of limestone, dolomite or shale.
Two views of a chrysanthemum stone from China
Origin of name: because of the inclusions resemblance to chrysanthemum flowers
Synonyms and trade names: flower stone, flower porphyry
Localities: classically chrysanthemum stone is from China, found in the sepiolite mines of Guniuling, Jiangxi province and Yonghe, Hunan province. Another locaton is near the city of Laibin, Guangxi province.
Chrysanthemum stone is also found in Canada (Campbell River, Vancouver Island, British Columbia) and in Japan (Neo area, Motosu City, Gifu Prefecture).
Reportedly other locations are in South Korea, Peru and California (all unconfirmed)
Handling: chrysanthemum stone is not overly hard, some of its components are sensitive to acids and show good cleavage. Thus chrysanthemum stones suitability as a gem stone is limited.
Worth knowing: there are treated specimens on the market, where the flower-like inclusions have been painted and/or the surrounding matrix has been darkened to increase visual contrast.
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