Chinese Treasures: Exquisite Stones of Oriental Collection
Throughout history, stones have been more than just cold natural objects in Chinese culture; they have served as spiritual carriers infused with the thoughts and emotions of scholars and artists. From being “spiritual companions” on desks to “atmosphere creators” in gardens, stones seem to possess souls. Today, the art of stone appreciation has been designated as a national intangible cultural heritage. Let’s explore these “treasure stones” from China, each with its own unique story.
1. “Chinese Queen” – Rhodochrosite
Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral, often found in granular aggregates or dense masses. Renowned for its vibrant colors and translucent texture, it is one of the most important ornamental mineral varieties. Typically occurring in mineral veins, rhodochrosite is often associated with iron, aluminum, and gold minerals. Discovered in 2009 in Cangwu County, Guangxi, this particular rhodochrosite specimen is all red and has earned the title “Chinese Queen,” ranking among China’s most famous rhodochrosite specimens.
2. Fluorite with Calcite
In August 2019, a remarkable find of red fluorite in Hexigten Banner, Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia, captured the attention of mineral collectors worldwide. This red fluorite specimen features well-developed, plump octahedral crystals with intense coloration. At the top of the large crystals, calcite crystals can be observed, creating a striking red-and-white contrast and a unique shape.
3. “Chinese Dragon” – Moore Stone
Moore Stone is a distinctive ornamental stone found in the Hongshui River of Guangxi. Formed from dense sandstone, it was named after the renowned British modern sculptor Henry Moore. Characterized by its strong modern sense, smooth and simple lines, and metallic luster, Moore Stone evokes the feeling of a modern urban sculpture transcending time and space. Resembling the “C-shaped dragon” of China’s Hongshan culture, this Moore Stone exhibits smooth, flowing contours that convey a unique rhythm and dynamism. Its warm and fine texture, along with naturally formed patterns, seem to tell stories of bygone eras.
4. “Fairyland” – Lingbi Stone
Lingbi Stone, primarily produced in Lingbi County, Anhui Province, is particularly valued for its blue-black stone quality. Producing a sound like bronze when struck and featuring fine texture, it has been a tribute to imperial courts throughout history. The bianqing (stone chimes) in the Forbidden City and Confucius Temple were crafted from Lingbi Stone, and Emperor Qianlong praised it as “the first stone under heaven.” This Lingbi Stone exhibits an extraordinary shape with rich texture and a black, lustrous surface. When struck, it produces a clear, ethereal sound reminiscent of heavenly music. Its left peak stands tall and rugged, while the right peak curls like rolling clouds. Below, stone formations hang like bells, creating a scene as magnificent as a fairy cave. Viewing it evokes a sense of ethereal elegance, as if standing in a fairyland.
5. “Giant Panda” – Yangtze River Stone
Yangtze River Stones originate primarily from the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, formed through the complex geological structures of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Mountain rocks undergo natural weathering, are transported by river waters, and undergo water erosion and sand polishing, gradually forming colorful, uniquely patterned pebbles over long years. This stone features a silk-like smooth texture and a shape and pattern resembling a giant panda, exuding a charming and naive demeanor. Examining it closely reveals a graceful beauty, with the entire stone possessing jade-like warm qualities, soft curves, and an elegant posture.
6. “A Leaf, A Bodhi” – Lotus Stone
Lotus Stone, mainly found in Luoyang, Henan Province, is a product of volcanic eruptions. At the center of this stone’s surface, a figure resembling a monk wearing green robes stands amid blooming lotus flowers. The surrounding lotus blossoms, some in bud and others in full bloom, appear delicate yet refined. The monk slightly lowers his head, as if in contemplation or comprehending the mysteries of nature.
7. “Mutual Dependence” – Chicken Blood Jade
These two matching slices of chicken blood stone feature symmetrical images depicting a pair of figures. The figures’ lines flow smoothly, their postures are graceful, and their expressions convey deep affection and reliance. The left figure slightly nods, as if confiding a secret, while the right figure listens attentively with gentle and understanding eyes. The vibrant chicken blood color resembles the passionate emotions in their hearts, which will never fade.
8. “Seeking Seclusion” – Songhua Stone
Songhua Stone is primarily found in the Changbai Mountains of southeastern Jilin Province. Named for its pine flower-like color and pine wood cross-section-like grai), this stone resembles a scene of mist-shrouded sunset glow, with twin mountains emerging, fish and dragons diving and leaping, and traces of autumn water. A long line traverses the middle-lower section of the stone, appearing flat yet not straight, visible yet not prominent—resembling the surface of autumn lake water. Above the blue waves, steep cliffs rise into the air, evoking the coldness of late autumn; below the waves, the water flows clearly and transparently, silent and still.
中國珍寶：東方收藏的精美石頭
在中國文化中，石頭歷來不僅僅是冰冷的自然物體；它們還充當著注入了學者和藝術家思想情感的精神載體。從書桌上的「精神伴侶」到花園中的「氛圍營造者」，石頭似乎擁有靈魂。如今，賞石藝術已被列為國家級非物質文化遺產。讓我們一起探索這些來自中國的「寶藏石頭」，每塊都有其獨特的故事。
一、「中國皇后」—— 菱錳礦
菱錳礦是一種碳酸錳礦物，常以粒狀集合體或緻密塊狀形式存在。以其鮮豔的色彩和半透明的質地而聞名，是最重要的觀賞礦物品種之一。菱錳礦通常產於礦脈中，常與鐵、鋁和金礦物伴生。這塊特殊的菱錳礦標本於 2009 年在廣西蒼梧縣發現，通體紅色，榮獲「中國皇后」稱號，是中國最著名的菱錳礦標本之一。
二、螢石與方解石
2019 年 8 月，在內蒙古赤峰市克什克騰旗發現的一批引人注目的紅螢石引起了全球礦物收藏家的關注。這塊紅螢石標本晶體發育良好，呈飽滿的八面體晶形，色彩濃郁。在大晶體的頂端，可以觀察到片狀方解石晶體，形成了醒目的紅白對比和獨特造型。
三、「中國龍」—— 摩爾石
摩爾石是一種獨特的觀賞石，產於廣西紅水河。由緻密的砂巖形成，以英國著名現代雕塑家亨利・摩爾的名字命名。摩爾石具有強烈的現代感，線條流暢簡約，並帶有金屬光澤，給人一種超越時空的現代城市雕塑的感覺。這塊摩爾石像中國紅山文化中的「C 形龍」，展現出流暢的輪廓，傳達出獨特的節奏和動感。其溫潤細膩的質地，以及自然形成的花紋，似乎在講述逝去時代的故事。
四、「瑤琳仙境」—— 靈璧石
靈璧石主要產於安徽省靈璧縣，尤其以其青黑色石質而珍貴。敲擊時發出如青銅般的聲音，質地細膩，歷來是進貢皇室的貢品。故宮和孔廟的編磬都是用靈璧石製成的，乾隆皇帝稱其為「天下第一石」。這塊靈璧石造型奇特，紋理豐富，表面黑而有光澤。敲擊時，它會發出清澈空靈的聲音，讓人聯想到天籟之音。它的左峰高聳崎嶇，右峰則像滾滾雲朵。下方，石頭形成鐘乳石狀，猶如仙境般壯麗。觀賞它會喚起一種飄渺的優雅感，彷彿置身仙境。
五、「大熊貓」—— 長江石
長江石主要來源於長江上游，通過青藏高原的複雜地質結構形成。山巖經歷自然風化，被河水搬運，經過水蝕和砂磨，逐漸形成色彩繽紛、圖案獨特的卵石。這塊石頭具有絲綢般光滑的質地，造型和圖案酷似大熊貓，散發出迷人而天真的氣質。仔細觀察會發現它展現出一種優雅的美感，整塊石頭具有玉般的溫潤質感，柔和的曲線和優雅的姿態。
六、「一葉一菩提」—— 荷花石
荷花石主要產於河南省洛陽市，是火山噴發的產物。這塊石頭的表面中央，一個類似身披綠袍的僧人站在盛開的荷花叢中。周圍的荷花有的含苞待放，有的盛開怒放，顯得嬌嫩而高貴。僧人微微低頭，彷彿在沉思或感悟大自然的奧秘。
七、「相濡以沫」—— 雞血玉
這兩片匹配的雞血石切片呈現對稱的圖像，描繪了一對人物。人物的線條流暢，姿態優雅，表情傳達出深厚的感情和依賴。左邊的人物微微頷首，彷彿在訴說一個秘密，而右邊的人物則專心聆聽，眼中充滿溫柔和理解。鮮豔的雞血色猶如他們心中熾熱的情感，永不褪色。
八、「思隱」—— 松花石
松花石主要產於吉林省東南部的長白山脈。因其松花色的顏色和松木橫截面般的紋理而得名，這塊石頭猶如雲霧繚繞的夕陽霞光，雙峰聳立，魚龍潛躍，秋水留痕。一條長線橫貫石頭的中下部，看似平直卻不筆直，明顯卻不突兀 —— 猶如秋天湖面的表面。藍波之上，懸崖峭壁聳立，喚起深秋的寒意；藍波之下，水流清澈通透，寂靜無聲。
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