By Thomas S. Elias

The colors in a stone, its base, and its display pad complement each other and form a very pleasing and successful contemporary display. This nearly globose, light tan-colored Gobi Desert stone has shades that match the wood pad's light and brown colors. The size, shape, and formation of this rock may suggest a chrysanthemum flower. As a result, one of the common names for this rock is the Gobi Desert Chrysanthemum Flower Stone. The mineral composition and formation are unrelated to the chrysanthemum flower stones found throughout central and southern China. This siliceous-rich stone is 5.8 x 6.8 x 5 cm and is held in a rosewood base made by Harada Kuzuya in Japan. The wood display pad is Japanese-made and is 9 x 9 cm.