The mining site of Oya Stone is in the town of Oya, Tochigi Pref.
The American architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) became very fond of the stone, and he incorporated it into the design of the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.
It is used in the lobby and the facing of the hotel.Japanese Architect Kengo Kuma, and a philosopher Muneyoshi Yanagi also favored Oya stone.
Zeolites, the elements of the stone, release infrared spectra as well as negative ions; they are said to bring relaxation and play important roles in aging foodstuffs. The crate can be used as an interior ornament or to age your wine at home.