Zhongjiang Flower Stone

Zhongjiang Flower Stone

　　The banks of the Kai River have long been famed for producing "chrysanthemum stones." Research indicates that Zhongjiang Flower Stones are a product of geological shifts. Hundreds of thousands of years ago, the Sichuan Basin was an inland sea. Later, due to tectonic movements, some marine organisms were buried deep underground, transforming into coral-like fossils that formed the Zhongjiang Flower Stones.

Flower stones are divided into two types: "Qi Stone" and "Wen Stone." Wen Stone is found along the Dongxi River at the foot of Xuanwu Mountain east of the city. According to records, "It is said that the first stones unearthed bore patterns resembling turtles and snakes, leading people to say: 'This is the divine spirit of Xuanwu, manifesting its presence.' It is also said: 'Nowadays, one often finds Wen Stones in the area shaped like turtles and snakes, pine and cypress trees, bamboo, flowers, plants, and human figures. Collectors are advised to search after rain, when the shapes appear even more distinct. Once polished and cleaned of their rough texture and crafted into objects—such as paperweights for desks—they can be quite appealing."