Gemstone profile and identification guide

Chrysanthemum Stone

Chrysanthemum stone is a patterned ornamental rock with white radiating mineral growths in dark matrix.

4 Mohs Black, White Flower Pattern Composite Rock Trade Material

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Overview

Chrysanthemum stone is a patterned ornamental rock with white radiating mineral growths in dark matrix.

Did you know? This is a decorative rock trade category rather than a single mineral species.

Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.

Identification

Name: Chrysanthemum Stone

Scientific classification: Composite Rock Trade Material

Hardness: 4 Mohs

Transparency: opaque

Lustre: dull to waxy

Crystal system: Composite aggregate

Primary colour: Black

Secondary colour: White Flower Pattern

Colour family: Blacks

White flower-like radial structures in dark matrix are diagnostic of trade material.

Verification Status

Status: verified-core-fields

Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society

Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.

Trade-name entries include treatment/composition disclosures where applicable.

Physical Properties

Hardness category: medium

Hardness value: 4 Mohs

Chemical composition: Matrix rock with radiating white celestine/calcite/andalusite-like inclusions (locality-dependent)

Crystal system: Composite aggregate

Common locations: China (Hunan and related localities)

Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.

Colour Variations

Dark matrix stone with white radiating floral patterns resembling chrysanthemum blooms.

Optical effects: Radial Flower-like Pattern

Detailed Gemology

Mineral species: Composite patterned rock material

Mineral group: Ornamental rock trade category

Chemical formula: Matrix rock with radiating white celestine/calcite/andalusite-like inclusions (locality-dependent)

Mohs hardness: 4

Crystal system: Composite aggregate

Lustre: dull to waxy

Transparency: opaque

Streak: Variable

Cleavage: Variable by component

Fracture: Uneven

Specific gravity: Variable by matrix composition

Refractive index: Variable by component

Optical phenomena: Radial flower-like patterning

Colour range: Black/grey matrix with white floral patterns

Common inclusions: Radiating mineral aggregates and matrix particles

Geological environment: Hydrothermal/metamorphic patterned-rock settings

Principal mining regions: China (Hunan and related localities)

Important commercial sources: Commercial chrysanthemum stone is strongly associated with Chinese localities

Historical significance: A traditional ornamental stone in East Asian carving culture.

Common treatments: Stabilization and dye enhancement can occur.

Synthetic or imitation forms: Printed and composite imitations exist.

Common look-alikes: Patterned jaspers and dyed composites

Jewellery uses: Used in carvings, display stones, and ornamental jewellery.

Care recommendations: Moderate to low hardness composite material; avoid impact and harsh chemicals.

Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Chrysanthemum Stone.

Formation

Forms through metamorphic or hydrothermal growth of radial mineral aggregates in host rock.

Origin

Commercial chrysanthemum stone is strongly associated with Chinese localities

Uses

Best for: Used in carvings, display stones, and ornamental jewellery.

Ideal uses: Decorative carvings and display pieces.

Care

Moderate to low hardness composite material; avoid impact and harsh chemicals.

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