Petoskey stones are Michigan’s official state stone and they are one of the most popular rocks to find along the Great Lakes. Petoskey stones are fossilized coral, formed by an extinct species of coral called Hexagonaria percarinata. The stones are found in various sizes and shapes and often display a distinctive “sunburst” pattern when polished.
Petoskey stones can be found along the beaches of Lake Michigan, especially in the northwestern part of the state. The best places to find Petoskey stones include Northport Point, Good Harbor Bay, Cathead Bay, and Betsie Point. They can also be found in other parts of Michigan such as Charlevoix County and the Upper Peninsula.
If you’re looking for larger Petoskey stones, try searching near breakwalls or other structures along Lake Michigan’s shoreline. Beaches with large cobblestone deposits also provide good spots for finding these fossils.
When searching for Petoskey stones, it is important to remember that they are not always easy to spot. They blend in with other rocks and pebbles so it takes some patience and careful observation to locate them.
Tips for Finding Petoskey Stones
- Look during low tide. The best time to search for Petoskey stones is when Lake Michigan is at its lowest level, which usually occurs during early mornings or late afternoons.
- Check near breakwalls. Breakwalls often create an eddy effect which brings larger rocks to the surface which can make it easier to spot Petoskeys.
- Look for cobblestones. Cobblestones often contain fossils so check beaches with large cobblestone deposits for Petoskeys.
Conclusion:
The best places to find Petoskey Stones in Michigan are along the shores of Lake Michigan, especially in the northwestern part of the state such as Northport Point, Good Harbor Bay, Cathead Bay, and Betsie Point. When searching for these fossils it is important to look during low tide near breakwalls or cobblestone deposits and be patient when examining rocks on beaches since they blend in with other pebbles and can be difficult to spot at first glance.