COMING SOON • WINTER 2026/2027

GREEN
STARSTONE

180 Years with Michigan’s State Gem

The first complete exploration of chlorastrolite, Michigan’s mesmerizing green gem.

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Published by Wolverine Gems, an imprint of Opalus LLC

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THE BOOK

Michigan’s Most Beautiful Secret

Since its discovery, Michigan’s green starstone – known variously as chlorastrolite, greenstone, or the whimsical “turtle agate” – has captivated collectors and jewelers with its unique patterns and rich chatoyancy.

This is the first book to fully document its story: from the dramatic geology of its formation through its discovery and rise, fall, and rediscovery by the jewelry industry; the science behind its optical properties; sourcing and cutting gem-quality stones; and interviews with the people who have kept it alive.

Complete History

From discovery to gilded age to modern works

The Science

A study of its formation and unique structure

The Field

Interviews with miners, cutters & jewelers

MEET THE AUTHOR

Derrick Sobodash

A former journalist turned gem cutter and jeweler, Derrick Sobodash brings more than a decade of hands-on experience digging, cutting, and working with Michigan chlorastrolite.

He teaches lapidary and faceting classes and operates a shop in downtown Rochester, Michigan. His family’s first gem shop, located in Beijing, introduced chlorastrolite and other Great Lakes gemstones to customers in China.

This book is the culmination of years of historical research, oral history, and fieldwork across the Upper Peninsula. It is intended to be both a passionate tribute and the definitive reference on Michigan’s state gem.

JOURNALIST

GEM CUTTER & JEWELER

LAPIDARY & FACETING INSTRUCTOR

10+ YEARS MINING & CUTTING EXPERIENCE

Visual Journey

The Beauty of Green Starstone

Green Starstone Pattern — Macro Pattern

Classic “turtle shell” pattern showing a transition to delessite inclusions.

Green Starstone Brooch — True Vintage Brooch

Rare surviving green starstone antique brooch in 14K, handmade in the 1890s and unhallmarked.

Greenstone in Matrix — Chlorastrolite in Matrix

Volcanic flood basalt from the Mid-Continent Rift bearing gem chlorastrolite.

Green Starstone Earrings

Seven-star earrings set with Keweenaw origin chlorastrolite in silver with gold plating.

Rough Chlorastrolite Comparison — Rough Chlorastrolite

Uncut gem material from different origins: Isle Royale (left) and Keweenaw (right).

Chlorastrolite Specimen — Chlorastrolite Structure

Macro image of a cracked chlorastrolite nodule showing the fibrous structure and a rising needle.

Photos by Derrick Sobodash

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