Wuling Gems

Wuling Gems

　　“The mountains are treasure troves, the land is a gold-scraping board, the trees are money-shaking trees, and the people are living immortals”—this saying aptly captures the essence of Zhangjiajie. According to experts, the Cili mountainous region boasts approximately 150 million cubic meters of marble reserves, featuring a wide variety of types. Among the more renowned varieties are Tiger Skin Yellow, Cloud Yellow Jade, Striped Red, Lotus Jade, Sunset Red, Black Jade, Peach Blossom Red, and dozens of other types. Currently, the county has several marble production plants that not only yield high quantities but also maintain excellent quality. Their products are known for their vibrant colors, refined elegance, and beautifully symmetrical patterns and veins. These marbles have been used to decorate key national projects and high-end establishments such as the Hunan Hall of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Hankou Railway Station, Xining Caojiapu Airport, Mudanjiang Commercial Building, and Changsha Liufang Hotel. Tortoiseshell Stone, with its fine and smooth texture, delicate and clean veining, and jade-like toughness, offers a cool and moist sensation when held, reminiscent of water. Its patterns resemble those of a tortoise’s shell—hence the name. It is a natural rock of significant artistic value. With proper carving and processing, it can be fashioned into exquisitely shaped craft treasures, each with unique artistic characteristics.