Chrysanthemum Stone from Guilin

A chrysanthemum stone from Guilin, China, with enclosed, radially grown white celestine crystals resembling chrysanthemum blossoms.

Celestine (SrSO₄) forms flower-shaped aggregates of radially growing crystals within the black limestone. These are meticulously hand-exposed from the carbonate rock, a traditional Chinese crafting step.

The limestone was cut matte and treated with stone oil. This significantly darkens the carbonate rock, making the white celestine blossoms stand out with greater contrast.

Chrysanthemum stones from Guilin are classic collector's items in the Chinese mineral tradition and are among the documented sights of the province.