Glacial Concretions

Clay stone glacial concretions are known by many names around the world. For example, they are called “Imatra Stones” in Finland, “Fairy Stones” in Scotland, Ireland and Quebec, and “Mud-babies” or “Clay Dogs” in Connecticut.

The stones we offer were picked on the shores of the Harricana River, Abitibi, Quebec, Canada, these pebbles have been formed thousands of years ago. They are made of fine sand and clay, solidified by nature. The originality and the forms of these stones are a phenomenon unique to Northern Quebec, especially on the bottom of the big Lakes with a glacier origin.

The superior face of the concretion is usually smooth and regular as for the interior face, it is often rough with puffed up spheres. The irregular lines on certain stones are caused by the traces left by miniature worms or organic remains which were fossilized thousands of years ago. As if the earth wanted to keep them in the memory...

The Algonquins called them “Fairy Stones” and often carried them as luck charms when they went on fishing or hunting expedition. The lovers offered the most beautiful “Fairy Stones” to their loved ones. The biggest specimens occupied a place of honor in their homes, or according to the legend, these stones assured a protection against the bad spirits. They also brought good health and prosperity to the occupants of the premises.

These “FAIRY STONES” are at the origin of the name “HARRICANA RIVER”. In fact, when the first ALGONQUINS come up the river towards Abitibi, a stop on these beaches made them realize the presence of these pebbles which for them, strangely looked like “BISCUITS”. This is the reason why they named the river “HARRICANA” which means: “RIVER OF THE BISCUITS” in the ALGONQUIN language.

These specimens are found in the soft deposits of the Quaternary where they were found in the ponds having occupied the depression of the retreat of the glacial front; subsequently they were carried by the water and deposited on the shores of the lakes and rivers.

Some Clay Concretions emerge from the ground but the majority of these stones are collected by digging the clay soil delicately in order to avoid any breaking or distortion and preserve their authenticity. Stones are different colors based upon their discovery location. Once found, the stones are cleaned and dried. A light coat of sealant is then applied to bring a sheen and prevent scratching.

This coating also prevents the natural oils in your fingers from discoloring the specimen. These can easily be returned to their uncoated natural state by soaking the specimen in 1 cup of warm water with 2 tablespoons of vinegar for 15 minutes. Brush the stone gently with a toothbrush, rinse well several times and dry. You now have the natural specimen.