
Sioux Quartzite and Pipestone
N 43° 36.438 W 096° 27.737
14T E 704799 N 4831387
Rich farmland in SW Minnesota has large outcroppings of a hard red-to-pink rock known as Sioux Quartzite. Within the quartzite deposits are smaller layers of dark red stone known as pipestone.
Waymark Code: WMDT6
Location: South Dakota, United States
Date Posted: 05/29/2006
Views: 65
Scattered throughout the rich farmland of southwestern Minnesota are large outcroppings of a hard red-to-pink rock known as Sioux Quartzite. These rocks were formed from sand, silt and shells deposited a billion and a half years ago.
Within the quartzite deposits are smaller layers of dark red stone known as pipestone or Catlinite, named for the well known 19th century artist George Catlin. For centuries, Indians from many different tribes quarried the soft red stone at what is now Pipestone National Monument. From the precious rock they fashioned beautiful pipes and ceremonial objects.
Marker Type:: Roadside

|
Visit Instructions:
A photo of the 'Marker' or 'Plaque' is required to identify the location, plus a picture of the 'Historic Site'.