Yooperlite is a remarkable fluorescent stone discovered along the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in 2017—a find that captivated collectors worldwide. Under normal light, it appears as a speckled grey to charcoal-toned igneous rock, but under ultraviolet light, it ignites with fiery orange and yellow luminescence caused by fluorescent sodalite inclusions within a syenite matrix.
Geologically, Yooperlite is a variety of sodalite-bearing syenite belonging to the feldspathoid mineral group. The fluorescence arises from trace elements within the sodalite, which emit a brilliant orange glow under UV illumination. While the first specimens were discovered in Michigan, USA, similar material has since been found in China—particularly in Liaoning Province and Inner Mongolia—where the same mineral composition produces vivid orange fluorescence. These stones are often referred to as Fire Sodalite or Chinese Yooperlite and are prized for their strong glow and intricate mineral patterning. Smaller deposits have also been reported in Canada, Norway, and Greenland.
For collectors, Yooperlite and its global counterparts represent one of the most exciting fluorescent discoveries of the modern era. When illuminated with a UV torch, each piece reveals flame-like patterns of glowing orange light—a stunning reminder of the hidden beauty within the Earth’s rocks. The Chinese finds, in particular, have made large polished spheres, towers, and carvings more accessible to enthusiasts while maintaining authentic mineral character.
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Collector appeal: Fiery fluorescence, modern discovery, and sculptural polish
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Composition: Sodalite-bearing syenite with alkali feldspar and nepheline
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Metaphysical energy: Illumination, truth, and transformation through awareness
Metaphysically, Yooperlite is seen as a stone of awakening—revealing light within darkness and potential within the unseen. It resonates with the Throat Chakra, encouraging honest expression and emotional release, while its fiery UV glow symbolizes courage and personal illumination. Whether sourced from the shores of Lake Superior or the mines of Northern China, each piece carries the same message: transformation through truth and light.
Legacy’s Yooperlite collection features hand-selected polished stones, spheres, and carvings from Michigan and China. Each specimen offers a stunning fusion of geology, light, and symbolism—an unforgettable addition to any mineral or metaphysical collection.
