The source of the Yellow River, Changjiang (Yangtze River) and Lancang River (called Sanjiang or Three Rivers) is rich in ornamental stones, which are known as the Sanjiang source stones or stones of the sources of the Three Rivers. Most are metamorphosed sedimentary rocks or volcanic rocks that have been polished by river erosion and abrasion. These rocks are mainly composed of silica and often contain iron, aluminium, manganese and other impurities. The main characteristics are (1) many varieties, such as Heyuan (River Source) stone, Huangshui picture stone, Sondo stone and Danma colour stone (Kunlun stone); (2) rich colours, mostly including black but also red, yellow, ochre and green; (3) peculiar shapes and spirit, with either the appearance of a winding mountain range or the landscape of a town along the water; and (4) a spiritual mood empowered by natural mystery. New types are often discovered (Fig. 10).
Sanjiang source stone (abraded conglomerate)
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(2020). Sanjiang Source Stone. In: Chen, A., Ng, Y., Zhang, E., Tian, M. (eds) Dictionary of Geotourism. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-2538-0_2147
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-2538-0_2147
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