Catlinite 100g

Rublev Colours Pipestone, is a pink clay from Minnesota; the clay stone was carved by Native Americans into pipes and also used as a pigment.

Origin and History

Pipestone, is dull red or pink clay stone, carved by Native Americans into pipes. Called calumets the pipes were used extensively in ceremonials. Native Americans held pipestone sacred, and even in time of war the quarries were regarded as neutral ground. Pipestone is sometimes called catlinite, for the artist and author George Catlin, who lived among the Native Americans.

Source

Rublev Pipestone is from quarries in Minnesota, United States and is a soft pink color. Pipestone is found mainly in Minnesota, in the Dakotas and in Canada. Pipestone, Minnesota, and the Pipestone River in Manitoba, Canada, are named after the stone.

Red Minnesota pipestone is a soft stone which occurs between layers of Sioux Quartzite (a cream-and-pink metamorphic quartz-based sandstone). Catlinite is smooth to the touch, is easily carved and takes a high polish. Red Minnesota catlinite is primarily found at Pipestone National Monument. There it is traditionally quarried using only hand tools, with site access limited to authorized tribal members to prevent over-mining.

Permanence and Compatibility

Pipestone is permanent in all mediums; the principle coloring agent is iron oxide (hematite) that leached into clay beds. There are no known incompatibilities.

Oil Absorption and Grinding

Pipestone absorbs a moderate amount of oil and is a soft pigment that easily combines with both waterborne and oil-borne vehicles.

Toxicity

Pipestone is not considered toxic, but care should be used in handling the dry powder pigment to avoid inhaling the dust.

Pigment: Pink Pipestone (Catlinite)