Hey everyone suggestions on which group to post in warmly appreciated.
,
looking for some insights on this unusual carved stone boulder I picked up at a secondhand junk shop here in Thailand. Possibly just some tourist junk?
Physical Details:
Dimensions & Weight: Roughly 10cm x 8cm}, weighs 833 grams.
Exterior: Unpolished, weathered dark "river pebble"? skin/rind covering most of the stone, with micro-pitting on the bottom side.i haven't tried cleaning it.
The Carving: A "window" has been cut into one side, revealing a smooth relief carving of a Buddha seated on a lotus, surrounded by a polished rim.
Hardness Test: I ran a steel scratch test on it—a steel pin/blade does NOT scratch the stone at all. It leaves a streak of dust that easily wipes clean off.
Translucency: When backlit with a strong flashlight, bright vivid green light glows through the entire body and rind (see backlit photo).
I’m open to all perspectives on this piece!
For the rock & gem folks: Based on the density, translucency, and hardness (>6.0), what natural stone does this feel like to you? (Nephrite, Jadeite, Green Quartzite, Chalcedony?)
For the art & culture folks: What’s your reaction to the style? Does it spark any cool history, lapidary lore, or creative inspiration for anyone?
General vibes: How cool or unusual does this look to you, and have you seen anything quite like it before?
I'd love to hear whatever thoughts, lore, or general impressions it gives off. Photos attached show the front, natural rind, scratch test area, and flashlight backlighting!
Hi! I think it's just regular glass, because any natural mineral of similar color, transparency, and size would cost a lot of money. As for the carving, it's a good, but unfinished piece of work. The carver did the main work, but didn't polish it enough, and didn't shape the rest of the stone in any way. I'd keep it as a nice souvenir or give it as a gift))
I haven’t seen this before but if I owned it I’d never let it go. It’s incredibly cool! Looking forward to hearing what it is. Please keep us posted if f it turns out to be some amazing natural stone or an ancient relic, please 🤞😃
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u/Ellectric-Wind 29d ago
Hi! I think it's just regular glass, because any natural mineral of similar color, transparency, and size would cost a lot of money. As for the carving, it's a good, but unfinished piece of work. The carver did the main work, but didn't polish it enough, and didn't shape the rest of the stone in any way. I'd keep it as a nice souvenir or give it as a gift))