Charlevoix Stone is a silicified fossilized coral of the Favosites genus, often found as smooth cobbles along the northern shores of Lake Michigan. It is easily identified by its tightly packed, hexagonal corallite patterns that resemble a honeycomb structure, which becomes highly visible when polished. Collectors typically hunt for these in glacial till and along beach gravel beds.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Dull to Earthy

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

fossilcommon

Charlevoix Stone

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Dull to Earthy
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this charlevoix stone?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch charlevoix stone with a known reference. Charlevoix Stone sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Charlevoix Stone leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Charlevoix Stone typically shows a dull to earthy luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, white, beige.
5
Look at form & habit
Typical habit: hexagonal.

Often found alongside charlevoix stone

Minerals reported to co-occur with charlevoix stone. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

Calcite
mineral · Mohs 3

All properties

Chemical formula: CaCO₃
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.6-2.7 g/cm³
Colors: Gray White Beige
Streak: White
Luster: Dull to Earthy
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal habit: Hexagonal
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Lapidary, Collector, Decorative
Host rock: Sedimentary Limestone
Typical price: $5-50 depending on size and polish quality

Where rockhounds find charlevoix stone

Classic worldwide localities

Charlevoix, Michigan, USA
Lake Michigan shoreline

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary limestone country — that is the host setting where charlevoix stone typically forms. If you start seeing calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a hexagonal habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify charlevoix stone?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a dull to earthy luster. The streak is white. Common colors include gray, white, beige.

Where is charlevoix stone found?+

Notable localities include Charlevoix, Michigan, USA; Lake Michigan shoreline.

How much is charlevoix stone worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $5-50 depending on size and polish quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What minerals are found with charlevoix stone?+

Charlevoix Stone commonly co-occurs with Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does charlevoix stone form in?+

Charlevoix Stone typically forms in sedimentary limestone. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is charlevoix stone used for?+

Charlevoix Stone is used in lapidary, collector, decorative.

Find charlevoix stone on the map

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