The elusive Petoskey Stones of Northern Michigan…highly sought after, enjoyable to sift through the multitude of pretty rocks on a shoreline to discover while whiling away the evening sunset hours! Is there a better way to relaxingly listen to the water lapping on shore, skipping flat rocks, and discovering these hidden gems?
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“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
~Albert Einstein
PETOSKEY STONE
PETOSKEY STONES
Where are Petoskey Stones Found?
The best location to find Petoskey Stones is along the shore of Lake Michigan along Little Traverse Bay. They are plentiful! Travel to the Northwest corner of Lower Peninsula Northern Michigan to find these amazing gems. Imagine the sun setting over Lake Michigan in brilliant hews of oranges, reds, purples painting the sky in wonder! The water laps consistently on shore as you walk the edge of the rocky sand beach with your head bowed looking, searching for these stones. It is a perfect ending to a perfect Northern Michigan summer evening!
“Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads.”
—Henry David Thoreau
PETOSKEY STONES
History – How did these stones land here?
Many scientists believe that the Petoskey Stone first originated in the Michigan area during the Devonian Era. At that time Michigan was located close to the equator and enjoyed a tropical climate. The area was covered by a shallow, warm, saltwater ocean. One of the most common forms of marine life during this time were coral polyps.
Gradually, the Earth’s tectonic plates shifted to move the Michigan area north towards the 45th parallel. As the plates shifted ancient glaciers were scraped during this moving process and left fossils across the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, with a large deposit of these fossils landing in the Petoskey, Michigan area.
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.”
—John Burroughs
PETOSKEY STONES
Composition
Petoskey stones are composed of rock and fossil. They are fossilized rugose coral, hexagonal patterns and outlines of shapes reminiscent to rays of sunshine located within the hexagons. Petoskey stones consist of tightly packed six-sided corallites, which are the skeletons of the once-living coral polyps.
“Nature is loved by what is best in us.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson
PETOSKEY STONES
What is the story behind the stones?
The story behind the name of the Petoskey Stone is ingrained into Michigan’s local history and reflects parts of the unique history of Michigan. The name for the stones originates as a Native American name Pet-O-Sega, which translates to “Sunbeams of Promise”, “Rising-Sun”, or “Rays of Dawn.”
Pet-O-Sega is also the name of a great Ottawa Chief. The story is told that as he was born rays of sunshine fell on his face. This signified the rays of promise over his life and his future lands. He had descended from wealth. His father was a wealthy French fur trader and his mother was the daughter of an Ottawa Chief. Pet-O-Sega’s wealth and success as a fur trader provided him the means to purchase land for his tribe and the ability to act on behalf of his people.
Eventually, he had 10 children. Before his death the ever-growing city on those Ottawa lands was named in his honor “Petoskey,” an anglicized version of his name. The fossils that are scattered on the beach were also named in honor of this great Ottawa Chief! They are the state stone of Michigan even today!
“By discovering nature, you discover yourself.”
—Maxime Lagacé
PETOSKEY STONES
Ways the stones are used today?
WWW.ROBINSONWOODSHOP.COM
Many polish the stones. Jewelry, paper weights, works of art, etc. evolve from this very distinctive stone that can easily be found along the shores of Lake Michigan. Not only is it an enjoyable destination to visit, but the Petoskey Stone hunting is a favorite past-time for many!
“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.”
—Aristotle
Leave me a reply below with experiences you have had rock hunting and where you found your favorite treasured rocks? Have you experienced Petoskey Stone hunting in Northern Michigan? I challenge you to go looking! It is a very peaceful and enjoyable task especially when the sun is setting in the background! REPLY BELOW!
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A 1993 graduate of Michigan State University, Barbara earned a BS in Social Science Pre-Law. She is a Business Manager/HR Director. Her passion is travel, discovering new places, experiences, cuisine, cultures while enjoying temperate climates. Barbara is a newly transitioning empty-nester who became a travel blogger. She’s a great photographer, talented writer, and has a great family to highlight in her adventures.
TRAVEL BLOG🛩 * ADVENTURE🛶 * INSPIRATION🌞
Thanks for exploring our travel blog! We hope to assist you in your next adventure through learning from ours! We are transitioning empty-nesters perpetually seeking our next luxury snorkeling adventure! Daily God’s awe inspiring inspiration surrounds us with all of His natural beauty in every direction if we but slow down to observe. Take a moment each day to ENJOY!
I love that part of Michigan. I spent three summers near there in the early 1990’s and have searched for the Petoskey stones. I love being in nature especially by the water.
I’ve always been fascinated by Petoskey stones since I first learned of them. The patterns are captivatingly beautiful. I can see why people polish them and use them in various ways for decoration. So pretty!
What a fantastic heritage and I have to say the stones are so pretty, we’d always go gather stones as kids and look for unique ones…this brings me back thank you
I had never heard of the Petosky Stones until now! They are so unique and beautiful….really remind you of how incredible the artistry of Mother Nature is. Thank you for sharing this wonderful insight!
In the first photo of the Petoskey Stones I thought, “That looks like coral.” Then I read the hisroty you shared. We too love rock hunting. This summer we hunted the Arizona Diamons at Diamon Point Arizona that are quarts cristals.
I love this post! I especially enjoyed reading the history behind the Petoskey Stones. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and such great photos so we can follow along!
37 Comments
Alice
I love that part of Michigan. I spent three summers near there in the early 1990’s and have searched for the Petoskey stones. I love being in nature especially by the water.
Suzan
Wow! I’d not heard of petoskey stones, but how how beautiful are they?
Barbara Robinson
YES! It is a lot of fun to collect them and polish them!
Stacey Billingsley
I’ve always been fascinated by Petoskey stones since I first learned of them. The patterns are captivatingly beautiful. I can see why people polish them and use them in various ways for decoration. So pretty!
Barbara Robinson
I agree!
Megan
Petosky Stones looks gorgeous! I love that they are made from fossils, I don’t think I’ve every seen one before!
Barbara Robinson
It is really a big deal here in Michigan!
kmf
Love history and nature so finding these hidden gems is a perfect thing to do in northern Michigan. Would love to check out these Petoskey Stones.
Barbara Robinson
It’s definitely a quirky Michigan thing…kind of like playing Euchre!
Lisa, Casey, Barrett Dog
We never knew the name of these stones. The Petoskey Stones would make fabulous jewelry!
Barbara Robinson
Yes! Many do make jewelry from them!
Lisa Manderino
I have never seen a petoskey stone before. It is so cool! It would be fun to go on a hunt for them!
Barbara Robinson
It is very rewarding when you find one in nature!
Kerri
I have never been to Michigan but would love to go after reading this!
Tiffany
Petosky Stones are so pretty! My grandfather worked with stones and he would have loved working with them.
Barbara Robinson
Yes! My oldest son is equally fascinated by stones. He has always loved observing their uniqueness!
Jeanine
What a fantastic heritage and I have to say the stones are so pretty, we’d always go gather stones as kids and look for unique ones…this brings me back thank you
Morayma
I had never heard of the Petosky Stones until now! They are so unique and beautiful….really remind you of how incredible the artistry of Mother Nature is. Thank you for sharing this wonderful insight!
Sandi
History, geography, and geology all rolled into one little Petoskey Stone. Searching for stones is a fun way to enjoy a walk on the beach.
Barbara Robinson
Yes! You are right! Great perspective!
Karen
I love the history and stories surrounding the Petoskey Stones. Would love to explore the shores of northern Michigan and search for these gems.
Barbara Robinson
I love a great backstory! It makes exploring all the more exciting!
Suzan
So beautiful! Foraging for nature along shorelines is a fav past-time! The petoskey stones would definitely be a find!
Barbara Robinson
I hope you get a chance to enjoy this cool place with amazing stones to be discovered!
Tiffany Smith
I have a friend who loves petoskey stones. I’ll have to see if she has been here to hunt for them!
Barbara Robinson
How ironic! That’s neat to hear that we live in such a small world!
Missy
In the first photo of the Petoskey Stones I thought, “That looks like coral.” Then I read the hisroty you shared. We too love rock hunting. This summer we hunted the Arizona Diamons at Diamon Point Arizona that are quarts cristals.
Barbara Robinson
Super cool!
Gabby
I just love coming across your articles. All the places you recommend are stunning and unique! Thank you for all of your hard work!
Barbara Robinson
I’m so glad and appreciative that you enjoy my blog posts! Keep reading! I’ll keep trying to keep it super interesting!
Cindy Moore
What beautiful gifts from nature, the petosky stones. I’d love to find them.
Fransic verso
I’ve seen these stones but never paid too much attention to them. Interesting to read about them in your post.
Barbara Robinson
I’m glad this post fed your curiosity about the stones!
simplyjolayne
I love searching for shells on a sandy beach, so I’m pretty sure I would be equally entranced with searching for these stones!
Barbara Robinson
Yes! It is such a peaceful task!
Valery
I love this post! I especially enjoyed reading the history behind the Petoskey Stones. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and such great photos so we can follow along!
Barbara Robinson
Thanks Valery! I’m so glad you enjoyed the read!