Colorado State Gemstone or Gem

Aquamarine

(Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆ - Beryllium Aluminium Silicate)

Adopted on April 30, 1971.

The aquamarine, Be3Al2(SiO3)6 - Beryllium Aluminium Silicate, was adopted as the official state gemstone on April 30, 1971, by an act of the General Assembly.

The mountain peaks of Mount Antero and White Mountain in Colorado are among the finest quality localities known for gem aquamarine. They are also among the highest in elevation, located at 14,000 feet. The granite rock of these peaks contains pegmatite bodies that are characterized by large miarolitic cavities containing the gem quality aquamarine crystals. The cavities are found through a vertical area of a mere 500 feet. The crystals in these cavities range in color from light blue to pale and deep aquamarine green, and in size from very small to 6 cm in length.

Citation: House Bill 1104, 1971; Colorado Revised Statute 24-80-912.

State Gemstone or Gems

State symbols represent things that are special to a particular state. One of these symbols is the State Gem. Of the 50 states, 19 have adopted a state gemstone and all have adopted some sort of earth symbol.

gem·stone (jem′stōn′)
n.
A gemstone formed in nature, with no assistance from humans that may be used as a jewel when cut and polished.

Colorado Symbols

Colorado State Gemstone or Gem

Aquamarine

(Be3Al2(SiO3)6 - Beryllium Aluminium Silicate)

Adopted on April 30, 1971.

(Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆ - Beryllium Aluminium Silicate)