How to maintain Shoushan stone
As one of the four famous stones in China, Shoushan Stone is favored by collectors and art lovers because of its warm texture and colorful colors. However, the maintenance of Shoushan stone is a science. Improper maintenance methods may cause the stone to crack, fade or lose its luster. This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed analysis of the maintenance methods of Shoushan Stone.
1. Basic characteristics of Shoushan stone
Shoushan stone is mainly produced in Shoushan Township, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province. Its mineral components are mainly dikaisite and pyrophyllite. Its texture is fine, but it is easily affected by environmental factors. The following are common properties of Shoushan stone:
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Hardness | Mohs hardness 2-3, soft texture, easy to scratch |
| water absorbency | It has a certain degree of water absorption and is prone to cracking when dried for a long time. |
| heat resistance | Not resistant to high temperatures, avoid exposure to the sun or heat sources |
| chemical stability | Afraid of acid and alkali corrosion, avoid contact with chemical reagents |
2. Daily maintenance methods of Shoushan Stone
1.Cleaning method
The surface of Shoushan stone is easily stained with dust and stains. It is recommended to wipe it gently with a soft brush or cotton cloth regularly. If the stain is stubborn, you can dilute it with neutral detergent and wipe it gently, then rinse it with clean water and dry it immediately.
2.Humidity control
Shoushan stone is sensitive to humidity. If the environment is too dry, it will cause cracking. If the environment is too wet, mold may breed. It is recommended to control the relative humidity between 50% and 70%. The following are humidity management recommendations for different seasons:
| season | Humidity management |
|---|---|
| spring | Pay attention to moisture-proof, you can put desiccant |
| summer | Avoid high temperature and humidity and maintain ventilation |
| autumn | Increase humidity appropriately to prevent drying |
| winter | Stay away from heat and use a humidifier |
3.Oiling and maintenance
Shoushan stone with a dry texture can be oiled and maintained regularly. It is recommended to use white tea oil or baby oil, but the amount should not be too much. Oiling steps:
- Apply a small amount of oil to a cotton cloth
- Apply evenly to the stone surface
- Let it sit for 30 minutes and then wipe off excess oil.
- 1-2 times a month is enough
3. Precautions for storing Shoushan Stone
1.Storage environment
It should be stored in a cool and ventilated place to avoid direct sunlight. It is recommended to wrap it with soft cloth and place it in a brocade box. A small pack of desiccant can be placed in the box.
2.Taboo placement
| Taboo | Reason |
|---|---|
| near heat source | High temperatures can cause cracking |
| direct sunlight | UV rays accelerate fading |
| humid environment | Easy to breed mold |
| Contact with other hard objects | Easy to cause scratches |
4. Frequently Asked Questions
1.What should I do if Shoushan Stone cracks?
Minor cracks can be cured with white tea oil. For severe cracks, it is recommended to consult a professional restorer. Prevention is better than cure. Pay attention to temperature and humidity control every day.
2.Can the color of Shoushan stone be restored?
Discoloration caused by natural oxidation is normal and usually cannot be fully restored. However, the discoloration process can be slowed down with proper care.
3.How to tell whether Shoushan stone needs maintenance?
Observe the stone surface for the following signs:
| signs | Maintenance measures |
|---|---|
| Dry surface | Need oil |
| darken color | Clean and oil |
| minor cracks | Increase ambient humidity |
5. Maintenance suggestions from professional collectors
According to recent popular discussions on collection forums, professional collectors have shared the following valuable experiences:
- The newly purchased Shoushan stone should be allowed to sit for 1-2 weeks to adapt to the environment.
- Different varieties of Shoushan stones may need to be treated differently
- Have a professional inspect the collection once a year
- Create detailed maintenance records
Conclusion
The care of Shoushan Stone requires patience and care. Following the correct method can keep your collection looking new for a long time. Remember, the best maintenance is to appreciate and play with it regularly. The interaction between people and stones itself is the best maintenance. I hope this article can help you better care for your beloved Shoushan stone collection.
check the details
check the details
en
