Yellow Mountain StoneWorks, Inc., a Seattle-based supplier of distinctive, hand-fabricated, natural stone from China, now offers Reclaimed Grand Tortoise Limestone from the Yangzi River that dates back to before the Ming Dynasty [1368-1644]. Yellow Mountain StoneWorks initially discovered the limestone block in late 2008 and then set about reclaiming it. The reclaimed limestone block was part of an ancient revetment [structure through a body of water] on a tributary of the Yangzi River. The original structure was destroyed in a flood over 650 years ago and thestone lay buried in the riverbed up until this past year. The movement of the channel caused it to be exposed, and Yellow Mountain StoneWorks immediately recognized its value as reclaimed material.

"Unlike a lot of the post-consumer product in the market right now, this stone was dressed very carefully on all six faces," said John Williams, president of Yellow Mountain StoneWorks. "This is simply the finest quality reclaimed antique stone we have ever seen"

The original, traditional Chinese finishes used about 600 years ago are still evident on this reclaimed stone, which features a rich chocolate color with some veining in a squarish, mottled pattern similar to the back of a tortoise shell, hence the name Grand Tortoise Limestone. This reclaimed limestone bears the mark of time with its build-up of colors including yellow, ochre, rust and brown visible across the stone's craggy surface. Most of the Reclaimed Grand Tortoise Limestone blocks were finished to about 30" x 18" x 10". At this size, Yellow Mountain StoneWorks can fabricate the stone into multiple pieces of veneer, quoins, or pavers with multiple faces exhibiting the prized antique finishing. Yellow Mountain StoneWorks foresees the most interesting potential applications for this stone to be wall veneer and quoins, although it could be used as a focal point because of its antiquity. In addition, Reclaimed Grand Tortoise Limestone is ideally suited for use as monolithic treads and risers, as well as through-wall material. "Investing in bringing this reclaimed stone to the market is part of our company's commitment to applying a global perspective to our business operations," said Williams. We strive to minimize not only our impact on the environment, but to seek ways to extend our natural resources" "Legend" behind Reclaimed Grand Tortoise Limestone The antique Grand Tortoise Limestone was found in the Yangzi riverbed at Zhaojun village. Wang Zhaojun was born in Zhaojun village and she was one of the four ancient Chinese beauties. During the reign of the Yuan Dynasty, she was one of the prince's wives, and was married to a minority chief in North East China. As a result of this, the minority nation kept peace with the Yuan Emperor. The stones were part of the revetment crossing the river to Zhaojun Museum built in ancient times. The museum still stands today, surviving the flood 650 years ago that caused the revetment to collapse and the stone to be buried.