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« Furoshiki Tutorial: How To Wrap A Watermelon
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Chrysanthemum Stone

September 23, 2017 by Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

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! ♥

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Posted in Cool Things | 18 Comments

18 Responses

  1. on September 23, 2017 at 12:06 am sallybr

    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!


  2. on September 23, 2017 at 12:12 am Manuela

    Amazing. Never heard or seen something like that before. Very thoughtful gift.


  3. on September 23, 2017 at 12:13 am Dymoon

    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 =^_^=


  4. on September 23, 2017 at 12:32 am Gerlinde

    Husbands can be so wonderful, that’s a beautiful gift.


  5. on September 23, 2017 at 1:58 am creativeshare

    Nice pressie, Celia… You are a lucky girl! Happy Technical Birthday too you…


  6. on September 23, 2017 at 3:18 am Liz @ spades, spatulas, and spoons

    Absolutely beautiful, I think it makes up for many bouquets!


  7. on September 23, 2017 at 3:37 am susan

    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!


  8. on September 23, 2017 at 8:06 am Cath

    WOW! That is gorgeous!


  9. on September 23, 2017 at 8:46 am anne54

    What an amazing stone. No wonder it is highly prized, and one to pass on down the generations.


  10. on September 23, 2017 at 9:32 am rarebirds

    I know the shop well … I’ve bought fabulous large crystals there for my ex …


  11. on September 23, 2017 at 10:25 am Eha

    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 :) !


  12. on September 23, 2017 at 4:16 pm Francesca

    What a nice bloke you have there Celia. Lovely stone, a large and beautiful friend for your other rocks and fossils.


  13. on September 23, 2017 at 8:13 pm Rosemary

    Just gorgeous, both the stone and your husband!


  14. on September 24, 2017 at 5:14 am Sally

    Ha ha. I’m married to a non-flower giver. It means I have the excuse to buy my own once in a while!


  15. on September 24, 2017 at 9:51 am equipsblog

    Lovely. Learned about the Chrysanthemum Stone today.


  16. on September 24, 2017 at 3:26 pm Jan

    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.


  17. on September 28, 2017 at 3:01 am Kim

    What a truly beautiful gift. Lots of Brownie points to Pete for that one!


  18. on September 29, 2017 at 10:51 am nawkblog

    :0 Wow! Amazing!



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