“Petrified Niagara Mist” — The Gypsum Souvenirs of the Falls

A gypsum necklace.

💎 “Petrified Niagara Mist” — The Gypsum Souvenirs of the Falls

In the 1800s, before snow globes and T-shirts, Niagara Falls had its own kind of souvenir — soft white stones sold as “petrified Niagara mist.”

Visitors were told these delicate carvings came straight from the waterfall itself — that the constant spray had somehow turned to stone. Of course, that was a bit of creative marketing. The truth was fascinating in its own right: the pieces were carved from gypsum, a soft mineral found in the cliffs and riverbanks around Niagara. Locals nicknamed it “Niagara spar” or “moonstone,” and artisans shaped it into small busts, cameos, and jewelry.

By candlelight, souvenir sellers displayed the stones in their shops, glowing pale and smooth — almost otherworldly — as the roar of the Falls echoed outside. Travelers loved the idea that they could take a piece of Niagara home, believing it to be mist made solid.

Science may have explained the secret long ago, but the charm remains. The story of “petrified Niagara mist” reminds us that this place has always inspired wonder — a spot where even the rocks come with legends.

✨ Discover the real stories and forgotten myths of Niagara Falls with Go Niagara Tours.

And just like in the old days, you can still find real Niagara gypsum at the Go Niagara Tours store — the same soft white stone once sold as “petrified Niagara mist.” Take home a piece of history (no torchlight mining required). 💎🌫️

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Mined, unpolished gypsum from a Niagara quarry.