These rock rings have been known by geologists for over a century--you can read about them in the first visits to Copper Harbor by Foster and Whitney (see p. 61) in 1850.

One general question asked by observers with scientific backgrounds:  Are these natural liesegang rings? These are known to be colored cement bands which occur particularly in sedimentary rocks, (some photos).  What induces the development of such rings? Can they occur in volcanic rocks?

A new hypothesis: The lavas in the Lake Shore Traps have “stripes” which originate after lichen colonies have lived on the rock surface.