it is probably the most sacred stone to Native Americans. The belief is that it got its color from the blood of Native Americans. There are many other stories/legends surrounding this stone with probalby the most well known being that pertaining to the peace pipe. The stone from Minnesota was traded throughout the Americas and what is today known as the monument site was throughout Native American history considered a sacred spot meaning no fighting could take place there even if two warring tribes encountered each other there.

there questions that should non-Native American people work with this stone or not.
right now that even within the Native American community there is an arguement over this; some wanting to traditionally mine it and sell this product to others and some saying it is a sacred stone to Native Americans and should only be used by them. I don't own a piece of pipestone but i see no reason NOT to own one if you want to work with it.

I talked with one person who worked with this stone. one shaman charged it and when he got sick the energy of the stone waned.

Here is one of the legends surrpounding this stone:
“The earth was red with the blood of the dead, rocks were stained crimson, and shouts of hate echoed on the wind. For all the nations of the earth were at war, and the law of Great Spirit was forgotten.
Great Spirit was saddened by the never-ending din of battle and the cries of pain and agony from His Red Children. He wished all Indians to live in peace, for His land was large and there was room for all.
Great Spirit called the nations together, and they met on the battle-ground stained with warriors’ blood. From a red rock Great Spirit broke away and made it into pipe. And in the bowl He placed the bark of red trees and lit it with eternal fire. The Smoke wandered up to the sky, and spirit of mankind embraced the Great Mystery.
Great Spirit presented the pipe to the Indians and said, ‘Touch this pipe only as a pledge of peace, and smoke it only to seal your promise. For he who smoked the pipe, yet treads the path of war, shall never be welcomed in the Land of Great Spirit.’
Lances were aid down and arrows returned to their quivers, and all nations of the earth smoked together in brotherhood. And as nations grew, the pipe of peace was smoked among them.
At the last council that ever was, the sacred pipe was passed around the circle of chiefs three times. Yet no warrior would touch it, for tempers were still bitter among the braves. The pipe was met with downcast eyes, and the tribes people grew sad with thoughts of continued war.
On the fourth pass, a child broke from the arms of his mother and ran into the sacred council. He snatched the pipe from Medicine Man’s grasp. White Horn, elder and chief of council was startled, and quickly took the pipe from the child. He gazed at it, then looked up- and all the chiefs were smiling, for the peace pact had been made. Anger was banished from the land, and all the nations of the earth were brothers once again.
Great Spirit left this sacred ground as it had been, stained red with the blood of the dead. It remains forever, a reminder to all the nations of the earth that war does not please Great Spirit, and never will.” -Ruth Thorstenson