Beware of false Petoskey stones

above : Chinese Fossil Coral

"fake Petoskey"from mainland China

:Note the pale narrow eyes  

right : Indonesian Agatised Fossil Coral

Not "Blonde Petoskey stone"

: note the star bust centers

Fossil Coral occurs throughout the world. Reefal Limestones are in essence fossil remnants of coral reefs. Massive preservation (fossilization) of coral reefs has occurred periodically over hundreds of millions of years.
The calcium is leached out of the limestone and replaced by silica. This process, referred to as silicification,
The result of the silicification of buried coraline limestone is the creation of  fossil coral. Fossil corals are known to occur in many parts of the world; Thailand, China, USA, Indonesia and dozens of other countries. But it is rare that the silicification process takes place yet preserves the coral polyp image.

A true Michigan Petoskey Stone and a true Charlevoix Stone

click photos

more info on specials page

:See (and look for) the dark circle eyed centers and the lack of dramatic color in a real Northern Lower Michigan Petoskey Stones and the honeycomb pattern of the Charlevoix Stone.  

This interesting stone is a variety of Calcite. It was formed by the fossilization of ancient coral, Hexagonaria.  The coral lived in shallow waters and todays fossil often includes ancient silt and mud.  Petoskey Stones are found on many beaches of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, as well as in rock quarries from Traverse City to Alpena.  The honeycomb patterned stone has a hardness from 4 to 5 and is the official Michigan State Stone.