The facts
What chrysanthemum Stone actually is
The species behind chrysanthemum Stone is ornamental sedimentary rock, CaCO₃ or dolomite matrix with radiating SrSO₄ (celestine) or andalusite crystals; it forms in the aggregate system.
Dark organic-rich carbonate matrix with white radiating crystal sprays that resemble chrysanthemum flowers is responsible for the colour — and the chromophore, not the name, is what decides whether a colour is stable.
On the instruments it reads a specific gravity of about 2.6–2.9, with matrix cleaves rhombohedrally cleavage.
Where chrysanthemum Stone comes from
Commercial material comes from Liuyang, Hunan, China, Ningguo, Anhui, China and Gifu Prefecture, Japan.
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
How chrysanthemum Stone is treated
Carving-grade slabs are often relieved by grinding away matrix around the flowers, and the black background is very commonly dyed or shoe-polished to increase contrast. Accept a dark, even matrix only with scepticism.
We state the treatment on every stone, including when the honest answer is that it cannot be determined. A treatment disclosed is a fact; a treatment discovered later is a refund.
What chrysanthemum Stone is confused with
Watch for Carved imitations in dyed limestone, Stromatolite and Septarian nodule — these are what turn up sold under this name.
Because the material is opaque, refractive index is no help. Specific gravity around 2.6–2.9, hardness of 3–4 matrix; 3.5–7.5 rosettes, streak and magnification do the work instead.
What chrysanthemum Stone is used for
The trades that buy chrysanthemum Stone are carving and sculpture, decorative objects, architecture and interiors and mineral collecting. They do not want the same thing, and they do not pay in the same unit.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the block, by the piece or by the square metre.
Durability and care
Chrysanthemum Stone is 3–4 matrix; 3.5–7.5 rosettes on the Mohs scale, with matrix cleaves rhombohedrally cleavage.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What chrysanthemum Stone costs
Expect roughly Small carved plaques 30–200 USD; large table pieces into the thousands, depending on quality.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is chrysanthemum Stone treated, and how?
Carving-grade slabs are often relieved by grinding away matrix around the flowers, and the black background is very commonly dyed or shoe-polished to increase contrast. Accept a dark, even matrix only with scepticism.
Where does chrysanthemum Stone come from?
Liuyang, Hunan, China, Ningguo, Anhui, China and Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is chrysanthemum Stone hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 3–4 matrix; 3.5–7.5 rosettes on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does chrysanthemum Stone cost?
Indicatively Small carved plaques 30–200 USD; large table pieces into the thousands. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is chrysanthemum Stone confused with?
Most often Carved imitations in dyed limestone, Stromatolite and Septarian nodule. Since the material is opaque, separation relies on specific gravity near 2.6–2.9, hardness and magnification.
What is chrysanthemum Stone used for besides jewellery?
carving and sculpture, decorative objects, architecture and interiors and mineral collecting. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for chrysanthemum stone?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about chrysanthemum stone