Foreword: Michigan has a long and varied geologic history that includes repeated episodes of volcanism, mountain building, deposition of marine and terrestrial sediments, and glaciations. As a result, we have been endowed with a rich and diverse assemblage of minerals. Appreciation of Michigan's mineral resources began well before the first Europeans set foot here. When Michigan became a state in 1837, one of the first actions of the fledgling legislature was to establish a geological survey of the state, to "furnish a full and scientific description of its rocks, soils, and minerals and provide specimens of the same" Our mineral resources have been studied, categorized, and evaluated for many years, and we continue to learn more about them today. Michigan minerals helped to build the state and nation, and they continue to be an important industrial and commercial resource, a fertile subject for academic study, and a source of fascination and enjoyment for countless hobbyists.

An exciting trip below the surface of Michigan's rocks and fossils. Most people recognize Michigan by its mitten-shaped Lower Peninsula and the Great Lakes embracing the state. Underneath the earth's surface, however, is equally distinctive evidence of an exciting history. Michigan rests on sedimentary rocks that reach down into the earth's crust more than fourteen thousand feet--a depth three-and-a-half times deeper than the Grand Canyon. Within these layers of rock rest all sorts of ancient fossils and minerals that date back to the eras when tropical seas spread across Michigan and hot volcanoes flung molten rock into its skies--long before mile-thick glaciers bulldozed over Michigan and plowed through ancient river valleys to form the Great Lakes. Under Michigan is the first book for young readers about the geologic history of the state and the structure scientists call the Michigan Basin. A fun and educational journey, Under Michigan explores Earth's geological past, taking readers far below the familiar sights of Michigan and nearby places to explain the creation of minerals and fossils and show where they can be found in the varying layers of rock. Readers will learn about the hard rock formations surrounding Michigan and also discover the tall mountain ridges hidden at the bottom of the Great Lakes. With beautiful illustrations by author Charles Ferguson Barker, a glossary of scientific terms, and charming page to keep field notes, Under Michigan is a wonderful resource for young explorers to use at home, in school, or on a trip across Michigan.

Get this must-have guide for Michigan, featuring full-color photographs and information to help you identify rocks and minerals. Identify and collect rocks and minerals with the perfect guide to the Great Lake State! With this famous field guide by Dan R. Lynch and Bob Lynch, field identification is simple and informative. The book features comprehensive entries for 96 rocks and minerals, from common rocks to rare finds. That means you’re more likely to identify what you’ve found. The authors know rocks and took their own full-color photographs to depict the detail needed for identification—no more guessing from line drawings. The field guide’s easy-to-use format helps you to quickly find what you need to know and where to look. Inside you’ll find: 96 specimens: Only Michigan rocks and minerals Quick Identification Guide: Identify rocks and minerals by color and common characteristics Range/occurrence maps: See where each specimen is commonly found Professional photos: Crisp, stunning images Michigan Rocks & Minerals includes beautiful photography, relevant information, and the authors’ expert insights. With this book in hand, identifying and collecting is fun and informative!

This must-have guide for Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ontario features full-color photographs and information to help readers identify rocks and minerals. Get the perfect guide to rocks and minerals of the Lake Superior region! With the new edition of this famous guide by Bob Lynch and Dan R. Lynch, field identification is simple and informative. This book features comprehensive entries for 75 rocks and minerals, from common rocks to rare finds. That means you’re more likely to identify what you’ve found. The authors know rocks and took their own full-color photographs to depict the detail needed for identification—no more guessing from line drawings. The entries are organized by area, so you can find rocks unique to each state or common to all three. The field guide’s easy-to-use format helps you to quickly find what you need to know and where to look. Inside you’ll find: 75 specimens of the Lake Superior region Quick Identification Guide: Identify rocks and minerals by color and common characteristics Range/occurrence maps to show where each specimen is commonly found Professional photos: Crisp, stunning images This second edition includes updated photographs, expanded information, and even more of the authors’ expert insights. With this book in hand, identifying and collecting is fun and informative.

Bruce Mueller is the rock expert who brought you the very popular Complete Guide to Petoskey Stones. Bookstores all along Lake Michigan loved that book, but they also expressed many requests for a rock identification guide for Lake Michigan. Here it is. Mueller researched the entire shoreline of Lake Michigan to write this guide to Lake Michigan rocks. This is the perfect guidebook for any-one or any family who walks the beach and wonders, What is this?

The glitter of gold created an era when a few determined prospectors searched the rugged hills and forests of Michigan's Upper Peninsula for the valuable mineral. Their stories range from the discovery of Lake Superior's mineral wealth in the 1840's to the modern mining and prospecting practices today.