Suiseki Stones

Classifications

There are three main category groupings in Suiseki:

Scenic Landscape Stones are considered to be the most popular. They may evoke impressions of near and distant mountains, islands, waterfalls, caves, river-formed terraces, lakes, and other examples of natural topography.

Object Stones constitute another primary grouping. Included are stones resembling man-made objects such as boats, bridges, and old Japanese thatched huts. Also prized are animal-shaped stones, bird stones, and stones that resemble fish and human figures.

Pattern Stones make up the third category. They are valued for their unique surface patterns resulting from variations in color, unusual texture, and contrasting mineral inclusions. The best known of this group is the beautiful Japanese chrysanthemum stones. Others include tiger-striped stones, celestial (sun/moon/star) patterned stones, abstract pattern stones, and figure-embedded stones.

Tips for Suiseki Collectors

Look for hard (5-7 on the Mohs scale) smoothly weathered stones in darker shades of black, gray, green, brown, or mixed colors. Darker stones with white mineral inclusions resembling snow, mountain streams, or waterfalls are especially prized.
Avoid freshly-broken, sharp-edged surfaces, unsightly cracks, soft, coarse-grained types of mineral material, and stones that are primarily light in color.
When collecting along rivers and streams, concentrate your efforts in areas neither too close to the origin nor too far downstream. Downstream stones usually are "overworked" and featureless, while those too close to the source often lack sufficient surface wear and patina. Also, look in areas along the sides of streams and rivers. Hard material stones with a nice patina can be deposited on banks and in sand pockets. When collecting stones from a river or creek, I find my best stones up above the high river flow where water once flowed and left stones that were trapped in pockets and old gravel bars. These older stones that were left behind can be heavier materials with a great shape, like jades and jaspers, maintaining their patina because of the hardness. I also look in the middle of rivers and streams; if deep and cannot see stones well, I then use a snorkel mask to find the heavier, more dense materials like jade and jaspers because the heavier stones, in time, work their way to the deepest place. Also, I look where the heavy stones get trapped behind large boulders and especially where lots of large size stones lay up in numbers.
Since you can't inspect every one of those half-buried river stones you will see on collecting trips, look instead for "keeper" clues. A glimpse of excellent color, fine surface patina, or some recognizable element of a familiar suiseki shape could be all the hints as to what lies below. Turn over or dig out such promising specimens for closer examination. Use a pry bar, being careful not to leave tool marks on the stone. Remove any loose residue to improve the exposure of the stone.
Seldom is a high-quality piece found with a naturally flat base. Study even oversized prospects from all sides with a baseline "leveling cut" in mind. One end or another could turn out to be a keeper.
Often stones that you do bring home are disappointments upon closer inspection. Give them another look after a few months go by. You might be surprised what a difference in perspective can sometimes make. If they are still less than desirable, use them in your landscaping or take them back to the creek.
To assist you in recognizing those stones you are hunting, be familiar with popular classifications to help you find stones.
When collecting in rivers or creeks, use felt-bottom shoes & waders. They are much safer for walking in water. Always take a backpack, water, and energy food. If in deep water during summer and fall, always wear fast-drying shorts and a tee shirt. Also, a fishing vest with many pockets comes in handy when hiking for carrying out smaller stones.

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Classifications

Tips for Suiseki Collectors

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