Page 42 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2015Q1

Top; A tall narrow peak dividing temperatures, particularly the more continental Gobi Not all desert stones are fengli or wind shaped
two lower ones creates an Desert. Thousands of years of freezing and thawing stones. Petrifications are also found in both desert
almost surrealistic effect to resulted in a gradual breakdown or degradation of regions. These are often mineral deposits that have
this mountain-shaped stone. stones. Both desert regions experience strong blowing replaced all of the organic material in tree trunks and
This small stone measures 20
cm wide, 15.2 cm high, and winds laden with sand. These steadily wear away the branches to the point that they are totally stone—near-
12.7 cm deep (8 x 6 x 5 inches softer portions of stone leaving extraordinary shapes ly identical to the wood and bark they replaced. An-
including base) from the remaining harder stone. These “wind blown” other type of desert stones are mineral deposits that
Bottom; An impressive stones are some of the best known of the desert stones. are found in cavities often associated with fault lines.
mountain with two flat tops The Chinese word fengli is defined “wind blown.” Only These are agates and other forms of chalcedony stones.
at different levels and a stones that have been formed by this action should be The Gobi Desert is famous for its large, one to multi-
stream cascading over rocks.
This Mojave Desert stone is called fengli. It is not a term to be applied to all Gobi colored grape agates. The single mine producing grape
approximately 30 cm wide, 8 Desert stones. agates in the Gobi cannot meet the domestic demand
cm high, and 7 cm wide (11.8 x for these stones. Thus, they have become extremely
3.1 x 2.8 inches). expensive—the large, grape-shaped, multi-colored
agates commanding the greatest prices.
Regardless of the desert, the winds and sand can
take a stone and delicately carved it into a magnifi-
cent shape over time. The stone may be tiny to fit with
the palm of a hand or much larger, weighing over 100
kg (220 pounds). Most are rugged and reminiscent of
young mountain chains, while others may be abstract,
and only occasionally have a resemblance to a figure.
A dry lake bed or ancient streambed in desert areas
may yield beautiful agates and other stones shaped
by long lost, flowing waters. Even though the land in
what is now Death Valley National Park is definitely
off limits to collectors, there are many other areas
in the cold desert regions of North America where
choice stones can be found. Areas with regular high
winds are also likely locations for stones shaped by
wind and sand. Collecting desert stones is challenging
and rewarding. Excellent stones don’t have to be black,
smooth, and shiny.

40 | BCI | January/February/March 2015