Published in association with North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, California.

Chrysanthemum stones are so called due to their unique mineral formations that resemble chrysanthemum flowers. A rarity in nature, they are found primarily in East Asia, where they have been admired for nearly three centuries; they are now are achieving notice among Western collectors, and recently have been found in the United States. Chrysanthemum Stones is the first comprehensive presentation of these extraordinarily beautiful stones, and sets a new standard for books relating to the art of stone appreciation that has flourished in Asia for over 2,000 years. The authors traveled extensively in China and Japan to bring historical information together with new data, which is generously illustrated with over 120 full-color photographs. Readers are shown the full range of chrysanthemum stones, from the rarest and most valuable to those more frequently encountered in the marketplace, and are provided the most complete set of published references to chrysanthemum stones available. Book jacket.

Drawing its allure from the gold of the sun and the rule of the emperors, the chrysanthemum winds its way through ancient Chinese culture into the gardens of French impressionist painters and onto the pages of American novels. The flower signifies both life and death, as parts of Europe associate it with mourning while others celebrate it for its golden rays that light the autumnal gloom. In this fascinating book, Twigs Way follows the fortunes of the flower through philosophy, art, literature, and death, recounting the stories of the men and women who became captivated by this extraordinary bloom. With a range of vibrant illustrations, including works by Hiroshige, Monet, and Mondrian, Chrysanthemum will captivate lovers of art, flowers, history, and culture.

• Features beautifully lit, color photos of each stone to aid in identification and to showcase the beauty of the crystals and gemstones • Provides a description of each stone, a quick-look list of keywords, elemental and chakra correspondences, scientific data, and the story of each stone’s beneficial physical, emotional, and spiritual qualities • Based on the bestselling The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach Detailing the spiritual and healing qualities of 390 members of the mineral kingdom, The Pocket Book of Stones is a condensed reference guide to crystals and gems based on the bestselling The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach. This portable A-to-Z guide features beautifully lit, full-color photos of each stone to aid in identification and to showcase the beauty of the crystals and gemstones. This updated edition describes 47 new stones not covered in the original Pocket Book of Stones and contains a comprehensive index of the spiritual, emotional, and healing qualities of the stones. Every entry contains a vivid color photo, quick-look list of keywords, elemental and chakra correspondences, plus the beneficial physical, emotional, and spiritual qualities of each mineral, crystal, or gemstone. Author Robert Simmons provides a description of each stone, including scientific data and the story of each stone’s spiritual and healing qualities, as well as recommendations for other stones that combine harmoniously with it. The scientific information offered provides a familiar frame of reference for those not yet familiar with crystal energies and also broadens the knowledge of those who come to stones primarily for spiritual purposes. This book provides an ideal introduction to stones and their energies for those who are new to the field as well as an invaluable portable reference for well-versed readers.

Discover the healing power of more than 180 crystals to improve health and wellness, manifest success and ignite passion in this ultimate guide to mineral magic from Sage Goddess Athena Perrakis. Crystals have been used for centuries around the world to promote wellness, fertility, prosperity, healing and more. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 38, Athena Perrakis took a deep dive into crystal literature on a quest to heal herself and discovered the profound power of healing crystals. In this A-to-Z compendium of crystal wisdom, she collects their histories, geologies, mythologies and healing capabilities all in one place for the first time. In these pages, you’ll learn: · where each crystal originated in the Earth’s core · the science behind its beauty and magical qualities · how best to use each crystal for healing · its resonance with your chakras and astrology · how to integrate each crystal into your daily routine · rituals for better sleep, manifestation, harnessing the power of the full moon and more With dazzling photography, this book is not only a reference guide but also an oracle to guide your journey, whatever your goal. Simply set an intention, ask a question and then flip through the pages until your intuition tells you to stop. You’ll meet the stone you are being guided to discover. It’s time to unlock the power and wisdom held within the Earth’s sacred stones.

The Japanese Art of Stone Appreciation is an exploration into the art of suiseki—small, naturally formed stones selected for their shape, balance, simplicity and tranquility. Written by two leading experts in the field of Japanese gardening and art, this concise introduction offers aesthetic guidance and direct practical advice that is a window into traditional Japanese culture. It details the essential characteristics of a high-quality suiseki, describing the various systems of stone classification in this Japanese art form and explaining how to display a suiseki to its best advantage. There is also a section on incorporating suiseki alongside a bonsai tree, the most popular and rewarding complement to peaceful suiseki miniature landscape gardens. Sections include: Historical Background Characteristics and Aesthetic Qualities Classification of Suiseki Displaying a Stone Suiseki with Bonsai and Other Related Arts Collecting Suiseki How to Make a Carved Wooden Base Suiseki Classification Systems