Gongshan Marble

Gongshan Marble

　　Marble is a metamorphic rock, named after its abundance in Dali, Yunnan. Therefore, the marble produced abundantly in Gongshan County of the Nujiang region might as well be called Gongshan Marble. Gongshan Marble and its handicrafts have already begun to shine at exhibitions in Kunming, the Spring City of Yunnan, the capital city Beijing, and international trade fairs. With its hard, fine, and lustrously beautiful characteristics, it has been highly praised by many. The reserves of Gongshan Marble are extremely abundant. According to preliminary surveys by relevant departments, along a mountainous area stretching over 80 kilometers from Lazao Township to Bingzhongluo Township alone, there are over one billion cubic meters of extractable marble just in the surface layer. Even more impressively, substantial marble layers have also been identified in Fugong and Lushui counties within the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture. Locals joyfully proclaim, “The stubborn rocks of the Nujiang turn into jade, and the wondrous stones of the Nujiang emit clouds and mist.” And rightly so — expert assessments confirm that Gongshan Marble not only boasts excellent smoothness and uniquely beautiful patterns, but also has fine crystallization, giving it high ornamental and economic value. These natural “stubborn rocks,” once processed and polished, instantly transform into exquisite handicrafts. They feature vivid patterns — some resembling distant mountains, others like cascading waterfalls, some like majestic peaks, others like lush pines and bamboos, and still others like vivid birds soaring through the sky... In short, these masterpieces of nature, diverse in form and extraordinary in presence, add an enchanting allure to the mystery of the canyon. Upon research and analysis, experts believe that these lifelike natural patterns are fossils of primitive aquatic algae, primarily composed of calcium carbonate. Due to tectonic movements, magma repeatedly intruded, introducing various metal elements, which over long periods of natural abrasion formed this dazzlingly colorful marble. (Nujiang)