Renowned country-wide as a one-of-a-kind museum, the Rare Stone Museum is a truly rare attraction located in the heart of Charoen Krung Road. As the brainchild of avid rock collector Banyong Lertnimitr, a garment manufacturer and exporter by profession, the illustrious museum stocks nearly 100,000 rare stones and ashtrays of which only 5000 is displayed at any given time. As a private museum that is open to the public, the Rare Stone Museum houses an impressive collection of items that have been painstakingly acquired by the owner.
Showcasing nearly 2000 stones and 3000 ashtrays at a time, the stones in the museum have been divided in to three quarters within the premises, namely, the cave stones section, mountain stones section, and the river stones section. The priceless exhibits are believed to be worth millions in local currency, although the museums beginnings were contrastingly humble.
Having purchased his first rock in the annual Bonsai Fair at the River City as a young man, Banyongs interest in rare stones, Chinese literature and matchboxes dates back to his childhood days when he collected old newspaper clippings of Chinese-ware. Set up at a cost of 10 million baht in the late 90s, the museum also displays a myriad of authentic Chinese articles such as matchboxes, pipes, cigarette packs and Chinese publications in addition to fossils and stones.
The museums most prized exhibit is the fossils of an ancient reptile that inhabited Chinese waters almost 248 million years ago. Dubbed the Keichousaurus, this prehistoric aquatic creature is not the only ancient fossilised item on display, as fossilized fish, shells and turtles are also found in the venue. A crocodile skull and a sugar apple are also showcased in the museum where a black rock resembling two penguins embracing one another is also a popular highlight. Other items of interest include a deep-sea stone of Taiwanese origin, which has dry, candescent seaweed filaments attached to its surface. This feature compliments the rock beautifully as it looks as if delicate rice grains are embedded in to the rock.
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