Calligraphy Stone
Calligraphy stone is, rather obviously, not an approved mineral name. It is a trade name for various rocks which look almost like they have writing on – sometimes also known as ‘chinese writing stone’.
Information about Calligraphy Stone
Calligraphy Stone is an ornamental rock – a mudstone that contains a large amount of fossils that create naturally occurring calligraphy-like patterns.
It is typically brown, tan, or reddish in colour, with dark swirling or script-like markings across its surface.
The markings resemble ancient writing, which gives it the name “Calligraphy Stone” or “Script Stone.” It is generally opaque and can be polished to a smooth, glossy finish.
Uses and History
It is often shaped into cabochons, beads, and palm stones due to its visual appeal and relative softness, making it easy to carve and polish.
This material is primarily a modern thing, having only really been used for lapidary in recent times. There is limited evidence of it historically.
Mineralogy
Various shades of brown and orange.
Hazards and Warnings
Mineral collectors should wash their hands after handling specimens, to avoid any exposure to potential toxins.
Almost all rocks, minerals (and, frankly, almost all other substances on earth) can produce toxic dust when cutting, which can cause serious respiratory conditions including silicosis. When cutting or polishing rocks, minerals, shells, etc, all work should be done wet to minimise the dust, and a suitable respirator or extraction system should be used.
Translations
Arabic:
Hindi:
Portuguese:
Bengali:
Indonesian:
Punjabi:
English:
A great number of trade names, including:
- calligraphy stone
- miriam
- miryam
- script stone
- coquina jasper
- coquina
Italian:
- Pietra calligrafica
Russian:
French:
Japanese:
- カリグラフィーストーン
Spanish:
German:
Korean:
Thai:
Gujurati:
Mandarin Chinese:
Urdu: