Intriguing pipestone is a reddish argillaceous stone which is basically fossilized clay. Many ages ago, clay was deposited on top of sand perhaps by a flood or other natural phenomenon and then quickly buried under more quartz sand. Pressure and heat transformed the sand into quartzite and the clay into pipestone, which is why the softer pipestone is found between harder rock layers. Pipestone deposits are found around the country and they each have a unique chemical signature. But traces of the iron bearing mineral hematite give the stone its captivating red color.
Indigenous cultures have carved pipes from sacred pipestone, hence its name. The smoke from these pipes carries prayers to the Creator according to traditional beliefs. Herbert Halate's journeying Bear has been created from pipestone and etched for great fur highlights. Eyes are from turquoise inlays. About 3" long, 1 5/8" wide and 1 1/4" tall.
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