Lithophagy
Lithophagy is an ingestion of stones.[1][2] The term comes from Greek roots λίθος + φᾰγω
The term was suggested in 1922 by Pyotr Dravert.[3] In Russian literature the term may also refer to geophagia.[2]
Discussion
Stones are found ingested by many animals. These called gastroliths.[4] In many cases the reason for this is unknown. Stones may be ingested to grind food or to serve as a ballast for aquatic animals.[5]
Walter Henry Medhurst describes a practice of "eating stones" in 19th-century China[6] and Brian S-K Li reported eating of stones as a literary trope in late imperial China (ca. 1550–1800).[7]
A streed food fad of fried stones called suodiu or suodui (嗦丢) as reported in China in 2023.[8]
References
- ^ "Lithophagy Prolongs Voluntary Dives in American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis)". academic.oup.com. Retrieved 2026-03-15.
- ^ a b Александр Паничев, Литофагия: причины феномена
- ^ Федорова А.И. Свойства и действие природных минералов (обзор литературы)
- ^ Wings O. 2007. A review of gastrolith function with implications for fossil vertebrates and a revised classification. Acta Palaeontol Pol52:1–16.
- ^ T J Uriona, M Lyon, C G Farmer, Lithophagy Prolongs Voluntary Dives in American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis)
- ^ A Glance at the Interior of China Obtained During a Journey Through the Silk and Green Tea Districts Taken in 1845 By Walter Henry Medhurst · 1845 p 15
- ^ Brian S-K Li, The Stone-Eaters: Lithophagy and Scholarly Fantasies of Ascetic Diets in Late Imperial China, 17 September 2025
- ^ *Chinese culinary craze of stir-fried stones rocks the internet