I receive many questions regarding pipestone, What is it, where is it from, how do you get it,will you sell me some, on and on!
I currently use three different types of pipestone.
Steatite, which is the traditional pipestone of the eastern Natives is found in several areas of the mid-Appalachians. It is these sources which I frequent to acquire this stone.
Steatite is a gray- green to black mineral which is highly durable, heat resistant and easily worked.
In ancient times, Natives prized this stone for their pipes, ornaments some tools and even pots for cooking.
Grey steatite is the least expensive pipestone I use since it's cost is only the trip and labor to pick it up.
Green steatite however is rare and extremely hard to get, making it the most expensive pipestone I use and sell.
Chlorite is a black-green mineral which is a major component of steatite. In it's purest form, it was greatly prized by Natives all over this continent for it's durability and lustrous finish.
It is the most malleable stone I use and I also prize it for it's ability to hold detail.
Minnesota pipestone, also known as Catlinite comes from a small geological formation in Minnesota. In ancient times, this stone was also mined in Wisconsin. Today, almost all the ancient quarries in Wisconsin are protected as archaeological sites.
This pipestone is found in layers sandwiched between Sioux Quartzite. Fossilized clay, rich in kaolin, it is very malleable and prized for it's finish.
Prior to the Sioux removing the original Natives several hundred years ago, this stone was traded across the continent much like other commodities of the day.
The Catlinite I use comes almost exclusively from a private pit near present day Pipestone Minnesota and is mined in the sacred manner despite what might be said on the net.
