Skeetties

Skeetites are a type of clay material found in the ancient lakes of the Great Plains region of North America. The name sceptre is also commonly used. The material is formed from the mineral-rich sediments of ancient lake beds, which have been compressed and cemented together over time.

Skeetites are characterized by their grayish-brown color and fine, sedimentary texture. They are often found in association with other types of clays and sediments, and can be an important source of information for paleontologists and geologists studying the ancient environments of the Great Plains.

In terms of composition, skeetites are typically a mixture of clays, silts, and fine sand grains, held together by a natural cement. They can contain a range of minerals, including iron oxide, calcium carbonate, and quartz. Skeetites can be both porous and impermeable, depending on the degree of compaction and cementation.

The age of the skeetites can provide valuable insights into the history of the region. The sediments that form the skeetites are thought to date back to the late Pliocene to early Pleistocene epochs, around 2-4 million years ago. Paleontologists have found fossils of ancient plants and animals preserved within the skeetites, which provide important information about the ecosystems of the past.

Skeetites can also be used as an archaeological resource, providing context and clues to the lives of ancient cultures that lived in the region. They can be found in many museums and collections, where they are studied and analyzed by scientists seeking to understand the evolution of the Great Plains environment.