Unique, handcrafted driftwood and resin art for your home.
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Petoskey Stones
At Grace & Hope Creative, we have a deep appreciation for Michigan's state stone—the Petoskey stone! Wondering what a Petoskey stone is and why we incorporate it into our creations? Read on to learn more!
History of Petoskey Stones
Petoskey stones are fossilized coral, unique to Michigan, and are known for their distinct hexagonal patterns. These stones date back to the Devonian period, around 350 million years ago, when Michigan was covered by a shallow sea. The coral, belonging to the species Hexagonaria percarinata, eventually fossilized and became embedded in limestone. Over time, glacial activity shaped and polished these stones, scattering them across Michigan's beaches and inland areas. Named after the Ottawa Chief Pet-O-Sega, the stones have become a beloved symbol of the state, cherished for their natural beauty and rich geological history.
Use in Artwork
Petoskey stones are rare and elusive, making the search for them feel like a thrilling treasure hunt. Their distinct hexagonal pattern, characteristic of fossilized coral, remains hidden beneath a rough, gray exterior unless the stone is submerged in water. Without the water’s reveal, they blend in with ordinary rocks. Once discovered, each stone embarks on a meticulous journey. It undergoes a week-long tumbling process through two stages, followed by careful hand sanding to smooth its surface. Afterward, the stone is hand-polished to bring out its natural beauty, ready to be transformed into a stunning work of art.
The Largest Petoskey Stone We Have Ever Seen!
In the summer of 2024, while vacationing in Petoskey, MI, we discovered the largest Petoskey stone we had ever seen. It was incredibly rough and required a long, meticulous process to bring out its full beauty.
First, we placed it in a vinegar bath to break down the surrounding shale, making it easier to chip away. Next, it underwent multiple rounds of tumbling before being carefully shaped with a grinder to remove any remaining hard shale. The final stage was an extensive hand-polishing process, progressing through ten different sandpaper grits before receiving a final polish.
The result is a one-of-a-kind Michigan-shaped Petoskey stone, measuring 4.5 inches long, 6 inches high, and 2.5 inches wide. After all the hard work, we’re thrilled with how it turned out—a unique piece to cherish for years to come.
