What is the legend of the Petoskey Stone?

What is the legend of the Petoskey Stone?

Folklore: The Myth, the Legend, the Petoskey Stone According to legend, this chief was the child of a French fur trader who was a descendent of nobility and a daughter of a Native American chief. As Pet-O-Sega was born sun rays fell on his face, signifying the rays of promise that his life would provide.

What is the meaning of Petoskey?

The word Petoskey is an English approximation of Bidasiga, which is a Native American Indian word that means ‘Rays of the Living Sun’. Petoskey Stone was named the state stone of Michigan in 1965.

What is the biggest Petoskey Stone ever found?

While 93 pounds sounds like a pretty big rock, it’s actually far from the biggest Petoskey ever found. That distinction probably belongs to a specimen found at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in 1999 by a rock hunter named Chuck Schnake.

Where are Petoskey stones from?

The Petoskey stone, Michigan’s state stone – and its lesser-known cousin, the Charlevoix stone – are unique to the Great Lakes and can be found along the shores of Michigan’s lower peninsula.

Is it illegal to take Petoskey stones?

Petoskeys are the official state stone and very abundant along Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. But pursuant to Code of Federal Regulations Title 36 – 2.1, they must remain in the Park. It is illegal to take any natural thing from a National Park, even flowers, mosses and rocks unless explicitly permitted.

Are Petoskey stones worth money?

Unpolished, quality Petoskey stones are available at an average of around $4 per pound. This price is for about 2-5 stones per pound. Some online sites charge up to $10 for a pound of raw, unpolished, small stones–up to seven stones to a pound.

Is it illegal to collect Petoskey stones?

Although Petoskey stone collection is strictly prohibited on federal lands, such as the National Lakeshore, rock hunters may still collect up to 25 pounds of stones per year outside of the Park, on state-owned lands. Petoskeys are the official state stone and very abundant along Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Why are Petoskey stones only found in Michigan?

Pleistocene glaciers (about two million years ago) plucked Petoskey stones from the bedrock and spread them over Michigan and surrounding areas. This is why Petoskey stones can be found in gravel pits and along beaches far from the Petoskey area.

Why are Petoskey stones so valuable?

Petoskey stones, a fossilized coral found mainly on the shores of Lake Michigan, are valued by rockhounds for their beauty and historical appeal. The stones are highly sought after, with their individual appeal depending largely upon size and quality.

Are Petoskey stones rare?

These aren’t just rocks, but Petoskey stones, a combination of fossil, rock, and coral. Though they aren’t particularly rare (they’re the state stone of Michigan, after all), they are still a fascinating find.

Do Petoskey stones have value?

Are Petoskey Stones Worth Anything? Petoskey stones do have value, especially those with the clearest features. Stones with a high shine can demand twice as much as dull, rough ones.