Stone of the Month: 

October 2025 

“Manitou’s Chalice”

Owner David Young, Photography by Jeff Shortt



This Basalt is from Ontario, Canada. The Canadian Shield is the world’s oldest mountain range. The various rocks and minerals in this region have been the source of both trade and legend for the indigenous peoples long before European explorers ventured inland to the Great Lakes. This stone was part of a basalt outcropping on an island in the dangerous waters of Georgian Bay. David extracted the stone and navigated the crossing to the mainland in rough water. The stone was perched on his backpack in the canoe, ready to be tipped into the lake should the danger of capsizing arise. Originally intended as an anchor for a bonsai, David decided that the stone’s own persona should not be hidden. It has had a place of honour in his home for forty years.

The stone measures 26 cm (10 in.) tall x 43 cm (18 in.) wide x 25 cm ( 9.5 in.) deep