This waterfall fountain is made from mariposa charcoal slate, which comes from Mariposa, CA. It is meticulously carved, chiseled, and smoothed by hand. The water flows out from the pool in the top slate tier and tumbles into the larger pool in the bottom slate base, which sits on a beautiful water-proofed terra cotta bowl (where the pump sits). The 2-tier waterfall sounds are absolutely beautiful, relaxing and soothing.