Emily Minton
Chemical Engineering
Research Topic: Michigan Under the Microscope: Our State Stone as Visualized by SEM
Research Poster Located in the Neighborhood Engagement Centers
Research Summary:
Emily's Research delved into the fascinating world of Petoskey Stones, using a scanning electron microscope to uncover the secrets of their formation. These unique stones, named after the Petoskey area in Northern Michigan, are actually fossils of ancient Hexagonaria coral from 350 million years ago. The study found that Petoskey Stones are primarily made of calcium carbonate, a key component of sedimentary rocks formed through fossilization. The small presence of silicon in the stones is due to a process called permineralization. This research highlights that the best Petoskey Stones are those formed through silicification.
