I was sitting at the dining room table, singing to myself.
“You don’t bring me flowers…anymore..”
Pete interrupted me.
“I think you mean…’at all’. I never bring you flowers.”
Sigh. Such is life when you’re married to an engineer.
. . . . .
Shortly after this conversation, it was Small Man’s 21st birthday. I pointed out that it was technically my “birth day” as well, so that wonderful husband of mine bought me the most amazing thing.
It’s a chrysanthemum stone, a quite rare and unique piece from Hunan, China. Formed during the Permian period (248 – 290 million years ago), the unusual floral shape was created by celestite and calcite crystals growing in a radial “petal” formation in between layers of mud. The stone was then carved to emphasise the natural flower-like shape of the white crystals.
It’s a substantial piece, weighing over 5kg and standing nearly 30cm tall. Intriguingly, the flower formation goes right through to the back of the rock…
I’ve read that the chrysanthemum stone was the official symbol of the Chinese imperial family. It is still highly prized in China, where it is believed to promote harmony and change. Here’s a photo taken from the side – you can see the thick layer of white crystals over the black matrix…
The stone was purchased from RocksnCrystals in Paddington, a wonderful store run by the lovely Stu and Sarah. It’s definitely worth popping in if you’re in the area, as they have some beautiful specimens on offer.
The chrysanthemum stone has found a perfect home on our living room corner shelves…
Pete refers to his gift as the “eternal bloom” and claims that he never has to buy me flowers again. I think he’s probably right! ♥
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 
That is truly a magnificent gift, better than any flower he could buy, collect himself, or dream!
very nice, so full of symbolism…
I am in awe!
Amazing. Never heard or seen something like that before. Very thoughtful gift.
yes, I agree, I’d rather such a gift any day, then flowers, that wilt and die their lives cut short for a few moments of pleasure.. good husband =^_^=
Husbands can be so wonderful, that’s a beautiful gift.
Nice pressie, Celia… You are a lucky girl! Happy Technical Birthday too you…
Absolutely beautiful, I think it makes up for many bouquets!
OMG, I don’t usually use that expression but that ‘stone’ blew me away! How exquisite is that? Good husband…..made up for all the other er, dead flowers, you could have had!
WOW! That is gorgeous!
What an amazing stone. No wonder it is highly prized, and one to pass on down the generations.
I know the shop well … I’ve bought fabulous large crystals there for my ex …
Have scrolled this up and down about half-a-dozen times: still have difficulty believing it is ‘real’! Absolutely beautiful and you will have it forever and it won’t need watering :) !
What a nice bloke you have there Celia. Lovely stone, a large and beautiful friend for your other rocks and fossils.
Just gorgeous, both the stone and your husband!
Ha ha. I’m married to a non-flower giver. It means I have the excuse to buy my own once in a while!
Lovely. Learned about the Chrysanthemum Stone today.
What an extraordinary stone – and how intriguing that it is believed to promote harmony as well as change – a stone for our times. Such a lovely and thoughtful gift.
What a truly beautiful gift. Lots of Brownie points to Pete for that one!
:0 Wow! Amazing!