Pipestone National Monument

This picture was taken on the walking trail of the Pipestone National Monument in Pipestone, Minnesota.  The photo shows an actual Quarry Pit where the Pipestone (Catlinite) is found between layers of Quartzite.  As one can also see in the photo, quarrying for catlinite must take place in late summer when all the water from snow melt and rain dries up.  Approximately 2000 years ago, the Plains tribes people used the catlinite stone for peace pipes.  Today carvers prize this durable but soft stone that ranges in color from mottled pink to brick red.