Minnesota Pipestone
An Exquisite Carving Stone




Deep red to maroon in color, Minnesota Pipestone may display a pink or purple cast with light snowflake characteristics. This hardened clay was originally deposited by water as fine particles 1.6 billion years ago, a time period synonymous with water the origin of water and an atmosphere on the earth, thus the beginning of life. A spiritual message tells us of pipestone reflecting the earth mother's soul and beginning, and, in a troubled world, it is time to share the "stone of peace" with all.


Through eons of time, heat and pressure solidified the particles into one of the finest carving stones in the world. Pipestone's hardness is rated approximately 2.5 on the Mohs hardness scale of 1-10, slightly harder than the fingernail. Today, pipestone is used by the Native Americans for carving ceremonial pipes and artifacts, and by other carvers and sculptors for their artistic creations. Ten cubic inches weighs about one pound.


Minnesota Pipestone (Catlinite), quarried in Pipestone County of southwest Minnesota, is the finest quality pipestone found in the world. Although many people attach the name pipestone to other rocks that have little or no physical or chemical relationship, no other rock combines Minnesota Pipestone's old earth energies and deep spiritual roots and traditions with its quality and texture. The stone can be sawed, drilled and carved using common household tools such as hacksaws, drills, files and sandpaper. After cutting and sanding smooth, the piece can be finished by heating the stone and coating it with beeswax, or by using standard lapidary techniques with diamond or other polishing compounds. Designs can then be scratched into the stone using a sharp nail or awl.


Quarrying of Pipestone in the area of Pipestone National Monument appears to have begun as early as 1200 A.D. Historic accounts speak of the area as “a place of peace” where various Native American tribes would lay down their weapons and quarry the pipestone for ceremonial pipes. Only Native Americans are permitted to quarry on the Pipestone National Monument site, located a few miles from our quarry. Local accounts tell us that although our quarry is not found on the monument site, various Native Americans also mined here. We believe this unique deposit of pipestone, formed by the Creator, transcends manmade boundaries.


The Minnesota Pipestone quarry, formerly owned by Paul Eich and marketed under the name Gems by Jak, is now owned by three Pennsylvania geologists, John Crawford, Tom Metarko and Mark Yanoski, each of whom practice various aspects of the earth sciences. We believe the unlikely connection of three Pennsylvanians to Minnesota Pipestone is rooted in our respect for the earth, its people and their traditions. We feel honored to share a very special stone with all people, allowing others to create unique and affordable items from our pipestone quarry. Please watch our website for future offerings of other products.

Wholesale Pricing Schedule:
STONE PIPE BLANKS
10 lb minimum order :Traditional T- and elbow-styled pipe blanks are available at the following prices and approximate sizes:
10 to 25 lbs. $5.50/lb. Small (3"x 2"x 1") $10.00
26 to 100 lbs. $3.50/lb. Medium (4"x 3"x 1") $15.00
101 to 1000 lbs. $3.00/lb. Large (5"x 3 1/2"x 1") $20.00
Over 1000 lbs. $2.75/lb.
Prices do not include shipping and handling. Prices are current through 3/31/04.
Unusually large and massive bedded stone regardless of weight may be more expensive due to its rarity.
To order, please contact: Appalachian Rock Shop
Email: rockshop@zbzoom.net