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State Gemstone or Gems
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Hawaii Symbols
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Hawaii State Gemstone or Gem
Black Coral
Adopted on April 22, 1987.
Black coral was adopted as Hawaii's official state gem on April
22, 1987. The black coral which grows in Hawaii's offshore waters
has been established as the official state gem.
In the Hawaiian language, black coral is called ‘ēkaha kū
moana and is the official state gem of Hawaii.
Since its discovery by early Hawaiian divers, harvesting of the
spectacular corals has led to the establishment of a thriving black
coral jewelry industry and enhanced visitor and resident appreciation
of Hawaii's ocean resources.
Hawaii's state gem was promoted by scuba divers, perhaps supported
by the local jewelry trade. Surprisingly, the Department of Land
and Natural Resources testified in favor of its adoption.
Coral is created by sea life. It is the skeletal remains of coral
polyps. Coral is calcium carbonate with a trade of carotene. Its
color ranges from white to red. Red, pink, and white coral is mostly
calcium carbonate. Black and golden coral is conchiolin. It is beautiful
in rings, necklaces, and pendants.
Statute
Hawai`i Revised Statutes, Volume 1, Chapter 5, Section 5-15
Volume 1.
CHAPTER 5. EMBLEMS AND SYMBOLS.
SECTION 5-15
[§5-15] State gem. The black coral is established and designated as the official gem of the
State. [L 1987, c 9, §1]
Taxonomic Hierarchy
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| Kingdom |
Animalia -- animals |
| Phylum |
Cnidaria |
| Class |
Anthozoa |
| Subclass |
Ceriantipatharia |
| Order |
Antipatharia |
| Family |
Antipathidae |
| Genus |
Antipathes
Aphanipathes
Bathypathes
Cirripathes
Leiopathes
Parantipathes
Stichopathes
Taxipathes |
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State Gemstone or Gems
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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. |
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