Found across North American at Anishinaabe archeological sites, these “Lucky Stones” or “Lucky Pieces” can still be found across our continent today! These tiny, smooth, white half-orbs are marked with a “J” or an “L.” Where did these gems come from? As a regular rock connoisseur, I was surprised that I hadn’t heard of these “Lucky Stones” and needed to know more! Join me for a Lucky Stone adventure!

What Do Fish Ears Have To Do With Lucky Stones?

Actually, these “Lucky Stones” aren’t stones at all! I was amazed to learn that they are ear bones, called otolith, from the freshwater drum fish. This sensitive piece of calcium carbonate regulates a sense of orientation, movement and acceleration in both humans and animals.

Anishinaabe must have valued these “stones” as they have been found at sites where the First Nation people have lived. It is believed that these prized gems were used as decorations and to ward off illness. Sailors have kept these as good luck charms, too.

Freshwater Drum Fish

The stones marked with a “J” come from the left side of the fish and the “L” comes from the right side. Located just behind the eye, fishermen say that this “pearl” can be difficult to remove. Often these pieces are found washed up on shore after the fish has long-since decomposed.

Since drum fish are found all over our continent, from Ontario to Guatemala and across Texas to the Appalachian mountains, this fish has many different names: Sheephead, Gobble, Gooble, Ogu, Goats, Thunder Pumper or Gaspergoo. The drum fish lives in a variety of freshwater habitats: lakes, streams, rivers and ponds.

Interestingly, these “charms” are formed one layer at a time, so scientists can learn the approximate age of the fish. By studying the otolith, ear bone, the scientist can determine some prominent features of the animal’s habitat.

Where Can We Find These “Lucky Stones?”

With this drum fish living in every type of freshwater, one can stroll along any shoreline with the hope of finding these ivory-like treasures. Shallow, muddy-bottom rivers and shallow lakes seem the best places to look. Most have reported finding “Lucky Stones” on the beaches of Lake Erie. Chuck and I travel all around the Great Lakes, so from now on, I plan to search each place we go.

My Search

I was determined to start searching freshwater areas during this late March cold snap. The snow-cover camouflaged many locations. I pressed on and continued to check out beaches in the Leelanau peninsula region and around my home near Grand Rapids.

The closest thing to a “Lucky Stone” that I found was, what I believe to be, a fish vertebrae.

Even with a steady effort, I hadn’t located a “Lucky Stone.” I will need to resume my hunt when the weather warms the waterways. Listening for a “drowning orchestra” on warm June nights would be a decent clue. Evidently, the males create a ruckus during the beginning of the summer as their mating call.

Another clue would be the drum’s fertilized eggs floating on the surface. Sometimes the clump of eggs travel for miles down rivers and across lakes before the tiny fish hatch. The adults grow to be between 17-23 inches long.

Keep searching, stay curious and make memories! Of course, follow our number one rule. “Have FUN!”

Related Links:

Restless Viking’s article about Yooperlites, a unique, glowing rock found in North America.

Resources:

Pow Wow Trail Facebook page
National Museum of the Great Lakes article October 1947
Maiden Jane blog August 31, 2012
Cleveland Magazine article By Julia Soeder August 22, 2024
National Park Service article
Michigan State University article July 9, 2015
U.S. Fish and Wildlife article by Daniel Kemp March 23, 2023