Catlinite

/kætˈlɪnaɪt/ noun

Definition

A type of fine-grained, soft stone used by Native Americans to carve pipes, named after the artist George Catlin.

Etymology

Named after George Catlin (1796-1872), American painter and author who documented Native American life. The mineral term uses -ite (common suffix for minerals and stones).

Kelly Says

Catlinite, also called pipestone, comes from a sacred quarry in Minnesota where Native Americans have mined it for centuries—it's named after the white artist who popularized knowledge of it, which is a reminder of how history credits European names even for indigenous practices.

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