Photo: paleocris/TikTok

Watch: How to Hunt for Glow-in-the-Dark Rocks Around Lake Superior

Michigan News Beaches and Islands Archaeology
by Olivia Harden Jul 12, 2021

Whether or not geology is your thing, you’ll definitely be interested in these glow-in-the-dark rocks you can find in Michigan. By day they look like normal stones, but at night, the Yooperlites®, glow in the dark.

@paleocris

Hunting for glowing rocks at night along the shores of Lake Superior! #geology #crystals #yooperlite #stones #crystals_hunter #gems #ifoundit #rocks

♬ original sound – PaleoCris

Yooperlites® are syenite rock rich with fluorescent sodalite, which causes them to be streaked with yellow and orange in the dark, especially under a UV light. The term was coined by Erik Rintamak in 2017, according to Pure Michigan. The best place to find them in the state is the Upper Peninsula along Lake Superior.

If you’re interested in hunting for these stunning glow-in-the-dark rocks, you’ll need some tools: a UV light to be able to easily spot the stones, a flashlight or lamp since you’ll be moving around in the dark, a bag to carry around your finds, and warm clothes with a good pair of waterproof shoes. It can’t hurt to bring some water and snacks, glow sticks to help you retrace your steps, and a rock scooper if you’d like to look for some of the rocks in the lake.

@paleocris

Glowing rocks on the shores of Lake Superior! ##gems ##minerals ##crystals ##geology ##yooperlites ##sodalite ##showandtell ##rocks ##stones ##glowing

♬ original sound – PaleoCris

The most important thing is to look for the rocks at night so you can really get a good look at the stones. However, you should arrive at your hunting spot before dark to scope out your route. The best season to go is in the spring as the ice melts, or after a storm. And be sure to stay safe by bringing some buddies and staying aware of the water and weather. Follow these steps and you could walk away with the coolest rocks right in the US.

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