LUSHAN, China—Some Chinese rock collectors prefer jade, others prettily crenelated limestone. Jiang Sui’an prefers stones that look like pieces of pork.

Stones that turn up in riverbeds around Mr. Jiang’s home have a rosy or caramel-colored hue, making them resemble pieces of meat. They “look just like pieces of pork freshly plucked from a pot, some stewed, others braised or deep fried,” says Mr. Jiang, who has collected hundreds over the years.

They...