How the Petoskey Stone Became Michigan’s State Stone

Michigan’s State Stone Has Fossilized Charm

A Legendary Backstory

Every now and then, nature hands us a souvenir that’s equal parts beauty, science, and legend. For Michiganders, that’s the Petoskey Stone. It is a fossilized coral with a stunning six-sided pattern that’s been shaped over hundreds of millions of years and polished by glaciers. And on June 28, 1965, it was officially crowned Michigan’s State Stone. Choosing the Petoskey stone celebrated not just geology, but deep roots in Native American history and Michigan’s unique identity.

What Makes the Petoskey Stone Special?

A Petoskey stone isn’t just a pretty roc. It is a fossilized rugose coral from the Devonian Period, about 350 million years ago. These coral colonies, of the species Hexagonaria percarinata, once formed massive underwater reefs. This happened when what is now Michigan was covered by a warm, shallow sea. Fast-forward a few ice ages and glacier movements and now there are ancient corals broken, polished, and scattered across the northern Lower Peninsula. They are especially found along the northeast shores of Lake Michigan.

When dry, a Petoskey stone might just look like a piece of plain limestone. But get it wet or polished, and its signature hexagonal pattern comes to life. The pattern resembles tiny sunbursts—a fitting symbol for a state known for its natural beauty.

A Name with Deep Roots

The stone—and the city of Petoskey—gets its name from Chief Petosegay. He was the son of a French fur trader and an Odawa princess. Born in 1787, Petosegay was given his name—which means “rays of dawn” or “sunbeam” in the Odawa language—when the morning sun struck his face at birth. The name couldn’t be more fitting for a stone that seems to glow when touched by water or light.

Petosegay became a respected fur trader and landowner. His legacy lives on in the city of Petoskey, nestled on the shores of Little Traverse Bay. It’s here that the best and brightest examples of Petoskey stones are found. Also where a bronze statue of Chief Petoskey stands watch over the bay.

The Stone Gets Its Due

In 1965, House Bill 2297 was signed into law by then-Governor George Romney, officially designating the Petoskey Stone as Michigan’s state stone. The occasion was marked by a formal ceremony attended by Miss Ella Jane Petoskey, the only living grandchild of Chief Petoskey—a touching connection between the stone, the land, and the people who first called it home.

Since then, Petoskey stones have become a beloved souvenir, a source of pride, and even a bit of a collector’s item. Rockhounds of all ages scour Michigan’s beaches for these tumbled fossils, often using them for decorative objects or lapidary art. They’re more than just pretty rocks—they’re stories frozen in stone.

From ancient coral reefs to glacial journeys to Native legends and state pride, the Petoskey Stone tells a truly Michigan story. So the next time you’re walking the beach near Petoskey, keep your eyes open—you just might stumble upon a piece of the past, smoothed by time and sunlight.

Marisa Fancy along with her husband and four children dreamt of moving “Up North”. They had vacationed for years in northern Michigan and in 1995 they finally made the move.

The family was always out exploring, but with 4 kids there was some limitations on what they could do. Marisa discovered the amazing network of trails in Northern Michigan after Steve died and she would walk for miles. The trails provided her with peace, comfort and solitude at a difficult time in her life. Later, after meeting Guy who would become her second husband, she learned to golf and found another passion she could enjoy in beautiful Northern Michigan.

Marisa has been the family historian, writer, and poet for as long as she can remember. She has always loved to write and has now found a creative outlet for it other than family. You can read her articles in Adventures in Northern Michigan, Northern Michigan History and Golf Up North.