Joan Slonczewski Quote

People fear stone, Usha said, because it contains never-life.
Non-life? You mean, death?
Nonsense, she repeated vehemently. What's to fear about death? Death is natural. Stone is never-life.
Spinel took another tack. If they fear it, then how come enough Sharers want it so the traders stock shelves full?
How should I know? Why do Valans drink the toxic waste product of sugar-eating yeast?

Part 2, Chapter 7 (p. 95) - A Door into Ocean (1986)