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LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1984
Argillite carvings from Haida Gwaii are known worldwide for their fine details and magnificent three-dimensional depictions of Haida supernatural beings. The stone itself is a black slate found locally on one mountaintop in the homeland of the Haida Nation.Adding to its rarity, argillite is only carved by Haida artists who have been working with this stone for generations.
As argillite is a soft stone, ranging in hardness up to 2.5 on the Mohs hardness scale of 1 to 10,there are some considerations to preserve carvings and jewelry made from this mesmerizing material.
To learn more about argillite, visit our blog: What is Argillite?
Argillite is a softer stone that requires care. For argillite carvings, display them in a secure place and away from edges where they might fall. Displaying argillite in a secure display case or on a piece of wood or softer material is a great place to show off these delicate works of art. And, of course, keep clear of playful cats!
When you are not wearing argillite jewelry, store argillite pendants and earrings in a small jewelry bag, away from jewelry made of other materials or metal chains that could scratch the stone.
The most detrimental fate for argillite is falling onto a hard surface. So, when showing off your argillite pendant,make sure to wear it on a strong and secure chain. One of our favourite chains for argillite pendants is our black sterling silver chain!
There is no need for polish or cleaning! As you handle and admire your argillite carving, the natural oils from your skin will enhance the stone over time. Gently rubbing the raised parts of the argillite to make it more shiny and leaving the deeper carved details matte will add a nice contrast to your piece.
Keep your argillite away from extreme temperature changes—extreme hot or cold—to preserve its strength and beauty. Although this stone was exposed to high volcanic heat while forming, it cannot withstand significant temperature fluctuations, which could cause it to crack.
Excessive water and argillite don’t mix! To protect its integrity, avoid exposing your piece to excess water. Do not wear argillite jewelry when swimming or showering. Walking in the rain and a few drops of water is perfectly fine. Just do not submerge it.
To truly appreciate and care for your argillite carving, it’s important to understand its origins. Take a moment to learn about the artist who carved it. Caring for argillite goes beyond physical preservation - when you learn more about the artists, the culture, and the art form, the carving becomes so much more meaningful and enriching. Visit our Meet the Artists page to explore the Haida artists of Haida Gwaii.
With these 5 simple steps, your argillite will remain a timeless treasure, ready to be admired for years to come. Have additional questions about how to take care of argillite? Leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you.
Still curious about argillite -view our argillite collection!
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