A very soft metamorphic rock, steatite outcrops were exploited in several locations throughout Shetland during the Norse period. Whilst we are well acquainted with the quarries at Catpund and Fethaland, Cross Geos in Clibberswick (clibber a variation of the old Norse kleber) in Unst is another fine example.

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Removed in blocks to form a variety of vessels – bowls and baking trays for example – the steatite would temper upon exposure to heat creating a ready-made, sturdy version of the pottery we are familiar with from periods prior to Norse arrival (the pottery often tempered with steatite).

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The quarry at Cross Geos has some quite compelling features. A rescue excavation in 1983 revealed a depth of waste up to 3m and a building associated with the manufacture of vessels. Many of the works are quite high up on the cliff edge indicating they may have hung down on ropes to access the most desired portions of the outcrop. Additional waste and forms can be seen on the stony beach immediately below.