Comments on: Yooperlite Rocks – Guide to Michigan’s Glowing Rocks https://www.hellowanderlustfamily.com/yooperlite-rocks/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=yooperlite-rocks Discover Budget-Friendly Adventures for Every Family Mon, 02 Mar 2026 05:13:00 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Rocks That Glow Under a Blacklight: A Guide to Fluorescent Minerals https://www.hellowanderlustfamily.com/yooperlite-rocks/#comment-18771 https://www.hellowanderlustfamily.com/?p=8763#comment-18771 […] Occurrence: Yooperlites are primarily found along the shores of Lake Superior. They have become increasingly popular due to their striking fluorescence, making them a must-find for rockhounds in the area​(Hello Wanderlust Family). […]

]]> By: Melissa https://www.hellowanderlustfamily.com/yooperlite-rocks/#comment-17280 https://www.hellowanderlustfamily.com/?p=8763#comment-17280 In reply to Shawn M. Carlson.

Thank you for giving me a heads-up on my inaccuracies. You are right it was not MSU it was Michigan Tech. As for my paragraph about Eric Rintamaki discovering the Yooperlites, I have reworded it in hopes to remove any confusion. I appreciate you taking the time to read through my article and provide feedback. It is extremely valuable to have first-hand information from someone who identified what Erik Rintamaki’s rocks were.

]]> By: Shawn M. Carlson https://www.hellowanderlustfamily.com/yooperlite-rocks/#comment-17279 https://www.hellowanderlustfamily.com/?p=8763#comment-17279 Greetings. My name is Shawn Carlson, and I am the mineralogist who identified what Erik Rintamaki’s rocks were, and published that finding in the journal Mineral News. Here is the link to my paper on Mr. Rintamaki’s main sales page:

https://www.yooperlites.com/img/Yooperlite_Sodalite_Discovery_Paper.pdf

Your article gets a couple things wrong. First, Michigan State (University) had absolutely nothing to do with the analysis of these rocks. And second, Mr. Rintamaki was not actually the first person to discover them. In fact, they had been known in Michigan and even sold in some gift shops for decades before Mr. Rintamaki entered the picture. What Mr. Rintamaki did, is to push for a full scientific verification of what the orange glowing mineral was (sodalite). Prior to this time, sodalite had long been suspected or “known” in a lay sense to occur in Michigan, but never actually verified. After this verification, sodalite became a mineral officially listed in Michigan’s geographic mineralogy, and I had to give credit for that to someone, so I gave credit to Mr. Rintamaki.

Hope this helps,

Shawn M. Carlson
Mineralogist

]]> By: Emoche https://www.hellowanderlustfamily.com/yooperlite-rocks/#comment-17270 https://www.hellowanderlustfamily.com/?p=8763#comment-17270 I am thrilled to read this article about Erik Rintamaki and his discovery of Yooperlites. It’s amazing to see how a simple hobby of rock hunting can turn into a successful business venture. I can relate to Erik’s passion for finding unique rocks along Lake Superior’s shoreline, and his discovery of Yooperlites is truly remarkable. For those who are unfamiliar with Yooperlites, they are rocks that contain Sodalite from the Syenite family of minerals. What makes them unique is their ability to glow fluorescent orange under a black light. Since their discovery, Yooperlites have become quite popular among rock hunters and collectors. If you are interested in learning more about yooperlites and the best places to find them, I invite you to visit my website. As an avid Yooperlite hunter, I have compiled a wealth of information and resources that will help you get started on your own Yooperlite hunting adventure. Happy hunting!

]]> By: Melissa https://www.hellowanderlustfamily.com/yooperlite-rocks/#comment-17263 https://www.hellowanderlustfamily.com/?p=8763#comment-17263 In reply to Denise.

25 pounds of rock per person per year is a lot! Between my family of 4, we only found a couple of rocks. Nowhere near 25 lbs.

]]> By: Denise https://www.hellowanderlustfamily.com/yooperlite-rocks/#comment-17262 https://www.hellowanderlustfamily.com/?p=8763#comment-17262 I can’t believe you’re allowed to take 25 pounds of Yooperlites per person!Sounds like a lot!

]]> By: Marga https://www.hellowanderlustfamily.com/yooperlite-rocks/#comment-17261 https://www.hellowanderlustfamily.com/?p=8763#comment-17261 Ok I’m obsessed! I never heard of them before and I’d love to see them at night!

]]> By: At Lifestyle Crossroads https://www.hellowanderlustfamily.com/yooperlite-rocks/#comment-17260 https://www.hellowanderlustfamily.com/?p=8763#comment-17260 I’ve never heard of Yooperlite rocks before. I would love to do a tour with Erik. I’m sure it will be so interesting and informative!

]]> By: simplyjolayne https://www.hellowanderlustfamily.com/yooperlite-rocks/#comment-17259 https://www.hellowanderlustfamily.com/?p=8763#comment-17259 How cool. Seems like a fun family activity or even a great idea for a date night!

]]> By: Laura https://www.hellowanderlustfamily.com/yooperlite-rocks/#comment-17258 https://www.hellowanderlustfamily.com/?p=8763#comment-17258 Wow I’m sad I didn’t know about this when I lived in Michigan! I’ve been itching to go to the UP anyway so guess I have to add this to my list of things to do

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