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State Gemstone or Gems
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Not every state has an official state mineral, rock, stone or
gemstone.
Find information on the official State Gemstone or State Gems
of each of the states that have adopted one.
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State Gemstone of the Fifty-States
State Gemstone and State Gems
Gemstones are one of nature's rarest products. The three attributes that a gemstone must possess are
rarity, beauty and color. Even in prehistoric times, people were attracted to pretty pebbles, and
when combined with translucency or even transparency with color, they were highly prized for their beauty and
durability.
Important Characteristics
The color is a gemstone's most important and individual characteristic. The blending of the various
colors or tints of the same color and the various designs and patterns produced as they are by nature, give such
gemstone an individual appeal that makes each one unique.
Another sought after quality is a high luster. Amber and some garnet have a resinous luster, while turquoise
is sometimes described as "waxy". Luster does not give a stone brilliance. In certain gemstones brilliance
is produced by the skillful cutting of the stone's facets in such a way that they reflect light like mirrors,
making the whole stone bright and shining when viewed from the top.
These are the main characteristics which give gemstones their unique appearance and which distinguish them
from other minerals. There is, however, a most important attribute which gemstones should
posses: permanence.
Gemstone of the Fifty-States.
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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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