Alabama State Gemstone or Gem
Star Blue Quartz
(SiO2 , Silicon dioxide)
Adopted in 1990
The law designating the Star Blue Quartz as the official Alabama state
gemstone is found in The Code of Alabama 1975, Title 1, Chapter 2,
Section
1-2-26. downloads/ABC/2025%20AMLS_ABC%20.pdf
Quartz is an abundant mineral in Alabama rocks. Several varieties of quartz are valuable as gemstones, including the popular amethyst variety. 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. With the approval of a bill proposed by Senator Don Hale, Cullman County, the star blue quartz was named the official gemstone for the State of Alabama by Act no. 90-203 in 1990.
The Star Blue Quartz
Ladies and gentlemen, gather 'round, because we're about to dive headfirst into a sparkling world of gemstones, specifically Alabama's very own pride and joy: the Star Blue Quartz. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Gemstones? In Alabama?" You better believe it! Grab your pickaxe and your sense of wonder, because we're going mining.
First things first, this precious gem was adopted as the state's official gemstone in 1990. Why? Because it's dazzling, that's why! It's the kind of stone that'd give even the Hope Diamond a run for its money, and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. In fact, it's one of the most affordable gemstones around. Why, you ask? Well, because there's a whole lot of it buried in the heart of Alabama. It's like Mother Nature decided to have a blue-themed party underground, and everyone's invited.
But what exactly is this Star Blue Quartz? Well, hang on to your sunhats, because it's a type of quartz (SiO2 for you chemistry buffs) that's got all the glitz and glam you could ever want. Quartz is like the Beyoncé of minerals – it's everywhere, and everyone loves it. But this Star Blue Quartz, well, it's the Queen Bee of the quartz family.
Now, let's talk history. This gem got its official status thanks to a bill proposed by Senator Don Hale from Cullman County. Can you imagine the Senator holding up a sparkling blue gem in the State Capitol? It must have been quite the sight! This gem is so unique that it deserved its own special recognition.
And here's a little geological tidbit for you: quartz is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth's crust, right behind feldspar. So, next time you're hiking in the Alabama wilderness and you spot some sparkly bits in the rocks, you might just have stumbled upon a piece of this mesmerizing gem.
But wait, there's more! Quartz isn't just pretty to look at; it's also tough as nails. On the Mohs scale of hardness, it proudly sits at a solid 7 – and trust me, that's impressive. It's right up there with diamonds and sapphires. In fact, quartz is so tough that it can easily scratch glass. So, if you ever find yourself in a glass-breaking emergency, you know what to reach for.
Now, let's talk about the real magic of quartz. It can do some pretty wild things when it gets hot and bothered. You see, quartz can transform from one type to another at a scorching 573°C (that's 1,063°F). It's like a superhero in the world of minerals, shape-shifting when things heat up.
But here's the kicker: there's not just one kind of quartz. Nope, there are many different varieties, and some of them are downright fancy. We've got citrine, rose quartz, amethyst, smoky quartz, milky quartz – it's like a gemstone fashion show. Each one has its own unique color and flair, making quartz the rockstar of the gem world.
Speaking of rockstars, did you know that quartz has been used in jewelry and carvings since ancient times? Yep, people have been bedazzling themselves with this stuff for centuries. From engraved gems to extravagant vessels, quartz has been the bling of choice for generations.
Now, I won't bore you with all the technical details about quartz's crystal structure and chemical composition – we're here for the glitz and glamour, after all. But just know that when it comes to gemstones, quartz is the belle of the ball.
So, the next time you're strolling through Alabama and you spot a little sparkle in the rocks, take a closer look. It might just be a piece of that dazzling Star Blue Quartz, the gem that shines brighter than a southern starlit night.
CREDIT:
The Birmingham Free Press
5104 Gary Ave., Fairfield, AL 35064
205.305.1451
Healing Properties of the Star Blue Quartz
The Star Blue Quartz is a great healing gemstone that helps strengthen the immune system, it releases throat tension, it calms hyperactivity, and it detoxifies. It is also said that shining light through this gemstone helps reduce the need for glasses. The person who wears this beautiful gemstone gets a boost in creativity, is organized and disciplined . The Star Blue Quartz brings a feeling of happiness and calm, it casts away depression and emotional tension. The fact that it is said to bring balance makes it a really praised stone. It is also believed that keeping blue quartz between one's hands while thinking of somebody with the purpose of sending that person good wishes, news from that person would arrive after a short while.CREDIT
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Star Blue Quartz: Alabama State Gemstone
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 colored 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).
CREDIT: Joseph Ferguson
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