The Petoskey stone is found in only one place on earth - the Great Lakes of Michigan. 

It was named the state stone of Michigan in 1965 and shares its name with the city of Petoskey. The name is also considered to be a derivative of Ignatius (Neyas) Petosega, whose mother was Ottawa and father, French.   

This stone can be found on the many of the beaches on Lake Michigan, but make sure you check the rules for a specific beach, some prohibit the removal of these stones.   

Petoskey is fossilized coral and its name means “Rays of the Living Sun”. It was so named because when wet or polished, you can see the mottled patterns of the coral fossils.    

This stone is often pebble shaped and fragile. It should not be polished in a rock tumbler as it will be damaged. They are made up of calcite, so hand polishing is best. Take a piece of fine sandpaper and gently sand it down. Next, rub it down with a soft cloth and then rinse. Pat it dry and check for any scratches. Continue doing this until you no longer see any scratches. Next, take some polishing powder and continue sanding until it is smooth.   

Use the Petoskey stone to stimulate the Third Eye Chakra. The unique eye formations of the coralite are said to lend aid to enhancing your emotional awareness. It also aids in keeping mischievous spirits from interfering in your life. It will also help to clear out any negative energy from your aura, as well as your environment.   

This stone is also said to aid in your creativity, so keeping one nearby when you are painting, writing, or working in any other chosen art will help to keep you grounded and focused. Some people combine it with purple or violet crystals, such as Amethyst, Purple Agate, or Sugilite to help balance and bring positive energy to your projects.   

You can enhance Petoskey’s protective energies by pairing it with Black Kyanite, Snowflake Obsidian, or Apache Tears to help keep negative spirits from channeling incorrect information.   

Pairing it with stones like Andalusite, Petrified Wood, or Dolomite can help to enhance its healing properties.   

Cleansing and Recharging:   Because Petoskey is a fragile stone, you need to be careful while cleansing it.    

Smudging: Light your white sage bundle and hold your stone near the stream of smoke. Gently blow the smoke over your stone for a few minutes, five is usually long enough.   

Water: Because it is fragile, I wouldn’t recommend soaking in salt water, but instead run it under cool, fresh water. If you have easy access to a nearby creek, holding it underwater for several minutes is a wonderful way to cleanse this stone.   

Cleansing Crystals: Set your stones on top of Amethyst or Citrine clusters. Leaving them overnight is usually long enough to discharge any negative energy.   

To recharge your Petoskey stone leave it setting in sunlight for up to six hours, or overnight in full moonlight. You can also recharge them by setting them on a slab of Selenite overnight.   

So, if you are feeling creative make sure to keep your Petoskey stone close by, either by wearing a pendant or simply keep your stone at your work area to utilize its amazing energy.    

 ©   Sara Allen Stewart  

Sara Allen Stewart developed a love for crystals, stones, fossils, and gemstones the first time her Aunt Alice took her to a rock and mineral show. Since then, her collection has grown, as well as her education about the history and folklore behind them. She is a published fiction author often who uses this knowledge in her writing.   

**The information provided is for reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to treat, diagnose, or cure any illness or disease, nor is it to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.