Three Gorges Picture Stone
Image: User:Vmenkov (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameThree Gorges Picture Stone
Chemical FormulaSiO2
Mohs Hardness7
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorslight brown, beige, dark brown, reddish-brown
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityThree Gorges area, Yangtze River, China
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesornamental, collector, museum display, artistic appreciation
Associated Mineralsquartz, chalcedony, iron oxides, clay minerals
Rarityrare
Description
A large, oval-shaped, polished stone displaying intricate natural patterns of light and dark brown bands, resembling a fleet of ships sailing on a river.
Geological Context
This stone formed from fine-grained sedimentary layers, likely silica-rich sediments and clays, deposited in ancient riverbeds or lakebeds. Over geological time, these layers were compacted, cemented, and possibly altered by mineral-rich fluids, creating the distinct patterns valued for their aesthetic qualities.
