CHRYSANTHEMUM STONES

Chrysanthemum Stone Geologic History
In the Mesozoic Era, deposition of a thick strata of mud rich in organic materials including flora and fauna occurred at the bottom of a sea. Calcium Carbonate (Calcite) and abundant Strontium Sulphate (Celestite) precipitated in the ooze at the bottom. As the layers were compacted, these sediments were buried by continuous deposition of more mud. At these lower depths it allowed radial growth of celestite formations that remained as patterns in the solidified limestone. Today the material is found as boulders in a river and then broken open by workers and subsequently trimmed of excess rock and sometimes worked by artisans into ornate sculptures.

The legend
According to Ancient History, the Three Gorges of China were once filled with lush green forests through which a crystal clear river serenely flowed. To this paradise came twelve evil spirits determined to destroy all the surrounding beauty. They set to work devastating the thick foliage, and turning the clear, gentle river into a bed of mud and muck causing people to flee these wastelands in search of more habitable grounds. One day the seventh daughter of the heavenly empress had wandered off in play and found herself in the ravaged Three Gorges. The pillaging of Mother Nature by the evil spirits angered and upset this seventh daughter who was determined to use her powers to destroy these spirits. She called upon thunder and lightening to aid her in this task, and for seven days they waged a ruthless war against those spirits. She succeeded in their destruction, but at an even greater cost once again to the Three Gorges, for the war caused more plight to the once beautiful paradise. Now she must do something to redeem the value of the Three Gorges. This daughter then went back to heaven to gather the seeds of the most beautiful heavenly flowers. Returning, she then planted the seeds in the Three Gorges. Many years later the devastation was replaced by the most magnificent, blooming flowers. Once again the Three Gorges flourished with lush foliage and crystal clear waters truly becoming a heavenly place on earth. The Chrysanthemum stones were planted by the seventh daughter as a reminder to all of the power of the heavenly spirits.