What is a Petoskey Stone?
A Petoskey Stone, or Hexagonaria percarinata, is a type of fossil coral unique to the Michigan peninsula. It is named after the city of Petoskey, Michigan, where the fossilized corals first became a popular tourist attraction. The fossilized corals have a distinctive eight-sided, honeycomb pattern that is visible even on individual stones. The corals lived in the ancient sea that covered the Michigan Peninsula 355–325 million years ago.
Where Can You Find Petoskey Stones in Lake Superior?
Petoskey Stones can be found in various areas along the shoreline of Lake Superior. They are typically embedded in the rocks beneath the lakes where the ancient sea once covered and are washed up on the shore each year due to the waves and currents. The stones can also be found in abundance on the beaches, such as the Upper Peninsula’s Presque Isle Park and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore beaches. They also tend to be more abundant in certain areas of the lake – in the Upper Peninsulas, they can be found on the shores of Garden, Elk, and Munising Bay, while in the Lower Peninsula, the north and south shores of Grand Traverse Bay are popular spots.
How to Identify Petoskey Stones
Identifying Petoskey Stones can be difficult for the inexperienced eye. An expert may be able to identify a Petoskey Stone based on its unique honeycomb pattern and also identify if it is a type of fossil coral or not. The stones can range in color from dark grey to a light yellowish brown and can have a matte or glossy finish. Petoskey Stones can also be identified by their characteristic smooth, wavy, and curved surfaces, as well as by their distinct hexagonal shape.
Where to Find Petoskey Stones in Lake Superior
Petoskey Stones can be found anywhere along the shoreline of Lake Superior, but some areas are more plentiful than others. It can often help to have an idea of where to look. For instance, the Upper Peninsulas’ Garden, Elk, and Munising Bay beaches are popular sites for Petoskey Stones, while the north and south shores of Grand Traverse Bay in the Lower Peninsula are also good places to search. Rocks on the beaches can often be chipped away to reveal Petoskey Stones, however, it is preferable to only search during low tide and to discard any stones or pieces that are dug as to not disturb the environment.
Can You Buy Petoskey Stones?
Petoskey Stones can be found naturally in various areas along Lake Superior, but many prefer to purchase them for aesthetic or practical purposes. Petoskey Stones are sold in many shops along the lake and also online, and customers can often choose from an array of shapes, sizes, and colors. While they can come at a premium, buying Petoskey Stones can be a great way to own a small piece of Michigan’s natural beauty.
Petoskey Stones as Souvenirs and Art
Many Michigan visitors select Petoskey Stones as souvenirs or art pieces to commemorate their stay. Petoskey Stones are used to make jewelry, pottery, sculptures and more. The lightweight stones also make great gifts, such as paper weights or pocket stones. Petoskey Stones are also great for anyone who loves to hunt for treasures as it can take many trips to the shoreline before someone finds just the right one.
Facts You Should Know Before You Search for Petoskey Stones
Though searching for Petoskey Stones can be an enjoyable experience, there are important things to consider before people set off on their treasure hunting journey. Lake Superior is the world’s largest freshwater lake, and it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers before venturing out. The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s necessary to always bring a life jacket, first aid kit, and other safety equipment. Additionally, it’s also important to be respectful of the environment when searching for Petoskey Stones, such as not disturbing the rocks on the shore, and filling any trenches that may be made when looking for the stones.
Conservation of Petoskey Stones in Lake Superior
Many people may not be aware that the Petoskey Stones found in Lake Superior are protected under Michigan law. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has named the Petoskey Stone an “official state stone”, and has imposed numerous regulations regarding the collection and sale of the stones. As such, it is important to abide by the regulations when looking for or purchasing Petoskey Stones and also take into consideration the importance of preserving and conserving these special stones.
Uses and Benefits of Petoskey Stones
The Petoskey Stone has a long and fascinating history that has made it beloved in Michigan and around the world. Not only is it a link to the ancient sea that once covered the Michigan Peninsula, but it also believed to carry spiritual and healing properties. They are often used to keep a positive energetic balance, as well as for protection, purification, and inspiration. People often carry them as symbols of hope and good luck, or just to simply appreciate Michigan’s natural beauty.
Legends Surrounding the Petoskey Stone
The Petoskey Stone is steeped in folklore and local legends. It is believed that the stones were formed from the eyes of a great sea monster, destroyed in a great battle with a colossal thunderbird. There are also many other legends that tie the Petoskey Stone to the area’s Native American cultures, such as the Great Sturgeon and the Great Fisher. These stories and legends make the Petoskey Stone a unique and special part of Michigan’s history.
Best Practices When Searching for Petoskey Stones
When it comes to searching for Petoskey Stones, there are certain best practices to follow in order to remain safe and courteous of the environment. It’s important to always wear safety gear, including a life jacket, and to pay close attention to the currents and waves of the lake. It’s also important to be aware of the regulations regarding the collection of Petoskey Stones, and to not disturb the environment or rocks in the process. It’s also important to fill in any trenches made when looking for the stones and avoid taking too many Petoskey Stones from the same location.
Final Thoughts on Finding Petoskey Stones In Lake Superior
Petoskey Stones are a unique and beautiful feature of the Michigan landscape, and offer an opportunity for adventure, exploration, and nostalgia. Whether someone chooses to search for Petoskey Stones themselves, or choose to purchase them in shops or online, it is important to remember to respect and protect the environment. Petoskey Stones are a reminder of Michigan’s rich history and connection to the ancient sea that once covered the region, and they should be cherished and enjoyed.
