The question of whether or not Petoskey stones are found in Lake Superior is one that has been asked for over a hundred years, and is still shrouded in debate and uncertainty. In the northern reaches of Lake Superior lies the state of Michigan, the most likely place to find Petoskeys stones, since they are a type of fossil coral common to the limestone formations of this region.
Though Petoskey stones can be commonly found along the beaches near Lake Michigan and sometimes on the shores of Lake Huron, their presence in Lake Superior has been heavily contested. This is due to the prevailing opinion of geologists that the stones are too light to withstand the powerful currents of the Great Lakes.
Dr. Larry G. Herron, an associate professor at Grand Valley State University, has done extensive research on this particular topic. According to Dr. Herron, while they haven’t been verified with direct evidence, the possibility of Petoskey stones being carried into Lake Superior is quite likely. He believes that the ancient glacial activity in the region, combined with wave action, could lead to the transport of the stones into the lake.
Evidence of this transport could be seen in the large number of Petoskey stones that have been found along the beaches of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, despite the fact that the original quarry for these stones is located much further inland. Additionally, this area was glaciated more than one million years ago, which could explain the wide dispersal of the stones throughout the lakes.
On the other hand, there are those who believe that the presence of Petoskey stones in Lake Superior is impossible. Scientists, such as Dr. John MacDonald, an Associate Professor at Michigan Technological University, take the contrary view. According to Dr. MacDonald, the wave action of Lake Superior is so strong that any stones carried in by the glaciers would have been pulverized and distributed to the bottom of the lake.
He believes it is highly unlikely that any stones would have survived long enough to be found along its beaches, and that any found would have been eroded down to a small, unrecognizable size. Thus, he contends that if Petoskey stones have been found in Lake Superior, then it is more likely that they were brought in by humans, either through boat traffic or by tourists.
A final opinion on the subject comes from Dr. Nicholas Czaja, a professor from Michigan State University. According to Dr. Czaja, the presence of Petoskey stones in Lake Superior is highly possible, but would not be easily verified. He believes that the stones could potentially make their way into the lake through its numerous inlets, which could in turn carry them far into the lake’s depths. He also notes that these stones could potentially be hidden beneath the lake’s large bed of sand and silt, only to be discovered by divers.
The Effects of Wave Action on Petoskey Stones
To understand the viability of Petoskey stones in Lake Superior, it is necessary to consider the effects that wave action could potentially have on them. A study conducted by Dr. Andrew Warchol of Northern Michigan University explored the effects of wave action on these fossils. His study concluded that Petoskey stones, although light in weight and fragile, are nevertheless more resistant to the effects of wave action than other similarly sized stones.
This is due to the unique internal structure of the coral fossil, which is composed of tiny nooks and crevices that make the stone less susceptible to the abrasive power of waves. Although it could still be worn away over a long period of time, Petoskey stones are much more likely to remain intact despite regular bouts of wave action.
Additionally, the stones are believed to be buoyant, which could increase the chances of them being carried long distances by the lake’s currents. This means that if Petoskey stones have made their way into Lake Superior, there is a chance that they could remain in the lake for long periods of time, making them discoverable by beachcombers.
Where to Look for Petoskey Stones?
Despite the ongoing debate over their presence in the lake, there are those who claim to have found Petoskey stones on the beaches of Lake Superior. If one were to go looking for them, the best place to do so is in the northern reaches of the lake, particularly around the state of Michigan.
Additionally, the area around Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has been known to be one of the most likely places to uncover one of these fossils. Even though they may take quite some time to find and are not likely to be seen often, a person determined to find a Petoskey stone (or any other exotic limestone-based fossils) would likely have success in this area of the lake.
The Value and Popularity of Petoskey Stones?
In general, Petoskey stones symbolize the Michigan region, and are viewed as iconic natural artifacts. This has led to a large commercial market for the stone, and with that, a quick rise in popularity. Furthermore, the stones are perceived to have spiritual value by certain populations, and many tribes, including the Odawa of the Great Lakes, utilize Petoskey stones in their ceremonies.
In the commercial market, these stones are often sold for a large markup, as many find them to be collectible items. As a result, there are more and more people attempting to uncover one, which in turn leads to an increased demand for the stones. Thus, the presence of Petoskey stones on the beaches of Lake Superior, should they be proven to exist, could lead to an influx of beachcombers to the area.
The Scientific Debate Surrounding Petoskey Stones?
The debate over the presence of Petoskey stones in Lake Superior is still ongoing, and it is unlikely to have a clear answer anytime soon. Many scientists remain unconvinced, citing the potentially destructive power of the lake’s waves, while others believe in the possibility of their presence due to the lake’s inlets and natural currents.
In the meantime, the jury is still out on the truth behind this particular mystery, and the search for Petoskey stones in Lake Superior continues. Should they be revealed to exist, the findings would undoubtedly open up a whole new world of beachcombing potential, and consumer interest for these ancient fossils.
Testing the Theory of Petoskey Stones Presence in Lake Superior
As the debate continues, certain scientists have proposed a rather creative solution in order to settle the issue once and for all. According to Dr. Mary L. Mason, a professor of paleontology at Michigan State University, the only way to conclusively prove the presence of Petoskey stones in Lake Superior is to conduct an official experiment.
Her proposal calls for the introduction of an artificially-constructed set of Petoskey stones into the lake, which would be tracked by an electronic device or a GPS unit. If the stones arrive in an area where they would otherwise be unexpected, then it could be assumed that they have been carried across by the strong currents of the lake.
A similar but less ambitious experiment was conducted in the late 1800’s by Dr. Erich von Wedel. He put several Petoskey stones into Lake Michigan, recorded their locations, and retrieved them one month later to discover that the stones had indeed been moved by the waves of the lake.
Although similar experiments have yet to be conducted in Lake Superior, this could be a promising avenue of research to pursue in the coming years. Should it be successful, it would definitively answer the question regarding the presence of Petoskey stones in the lake.
The Eccentricities of Petoskey Stones
Besides the grand debate surrounding their presence in Lake Superior, Petoskey stones have some unusual characteristics that separate them from other rocks. Most notably, this fossilized coral is one of the only organic stones to feature a distinct geometrical pattern. Through careful examination, one can uncover the hexagonal grating associated with Petoskey stones that is truly mesmerizing.
Because of this, many collectors consider them to be particularly intriguing stones, with many of them appearing as if their patterns were deliberately crafted. Furthermore, the patterns of some Petoskey stones can even be seen to contain images of creatures and animals, although these only become visible under magnification.
In addition to this, it is also believed that these unique stones have magnetic qualities. Some believe that when placed in close proximity, they can in fact be repelled by one another, although this belief has never been officially proven. However, this characteristic has long been applied to the stone by mystics, who claim that its unique powers can be harnessed to protect, ward off evil, and bring luck to its carrier.
The Prevalence of Petoskey Stones in Michigan?
To date, Petoskey stones remain most abundant within the bounds of Michigan. This has been attributed to the large expanse of Great Lakes in the area, as well as the limestone deposits that form within the region.
They are found all throughout Mi, from the beaches of Lakes Michigan and Huron to the pebble plains and rocky outcrops of the deep interior. Consequently, this has led to the continuous rise in popularity of these fossils in the state, as more and more collectors and hobbyists attempt to obtain them.
Furthermore, there are several businesses based in Michigan that sell Petoskey stones, allowing people to purchase the fossils and take part in the fall season’s beachcombing. These stores also provide classes on how to identify Petoskey stones, giving amateur collectors the opportunity to hone their skills.
Conclusion
Overall, the presence of Petoskey stones in Lake Superior remains an intriguing mystery, with scientists on both sides of the argument defending their opinions passionately. Although the answer is not yet clear, their potential presence in the lake cannot be discounted, which could open up a vast world of beachcombing potential for visitors of Michigan.
