Alabama State Gemstone or Gem

Star Blue Quartz

(SiO2 , Silicon dioxide)

Adopted in 1990.

Alabama's state gem is the Star Blue Quartz, SiO2, Silicon dioxide. It is one of the most beautiful gemstones on earth, and the cheapest because there are so many. There are also other states with quartz. The Star Blue Quartz was named in 1990.

Most quartz is a souvenir of volcanoes, which melt silica, which is then carried by water into crevices, where it crystallizes. Such quartz often includes traces of other minerals picked up by water flowing underground.

Crystalline form of silica SiO2, one of the most abundant minerals of the Earth's crust (12% by volume). Quartz occurs in many different kinds of rock, including sandstone and granite. It ranks 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness and is resistant to chemical or mechanical breakdown. Quartzes vary according to the size and purity of their crystals. Crystals of pure quartz are coarse, colourless, transparent, show no cleavage, and fracture unevenly; this form is usually called rock crystal. Impure coloured varieties, often used as gemstones, include agate, citrine quartz, and amethyst. Quartz is also used as a general name for the cryptocrystalline and noncrystalline varieties of silica, such as chalcedony, chert, and opal.

There is different colored quartz. New Hampshire has smokey, South Dakota rose, Arkansas and Georgia star blue. Quartz is made into glass, eyeglasses, electrical components, abrasives, and gemstone and building stone. There is a little bit of quartz in every rock. Quartz is made of silicon dioxide (SiO2).

Blue (Or gray/lavendar): A good healing stone for linking heart with throat and brow Chakra. to expand self expression and creativity, plus refining communication skill to new levels. Eases throat tension. Immune system, thyroid, iodine and B Vitamin use. Some say shining light through Blue Quartz can help reduce need for glasses. Still evolving. Yin.

Became the state gemstone in 1990 by Act No. 90-203
Source:
Acts of Alabama, March 29, 1990