Alabama State Gemstone or Gem

Star Blue Quartz

(SiO2 , Silicon dioxide)

Adopted in 1990.

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.

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).

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.

Alabama Law

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.

Title 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS. Chapter 2 STATE SYMBOLS AND HONORS.
Section 1-2-26 State gemstone. Section 1-2-26 State gemstone.
The Star Blue Quartz is designated as the official gemstone for the State of Alabama.
Acts 1990, No. 90-203, p. 240.)

General Quartz Information

Chemical Formula: SiO₂

Composition: Molecular Weight = 60.08 gm
 Silicon:     46.74 %  Si  100.00 % SiO₂
 Oxygen:   53.26 %   O
 Total:     100.00 %     

Empirical Formula: (SiO₂)

Environment: Sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks.

IMA Status: Approved IMA 1962

Locality: Found world wide

Name Origin: From the German "quarz", of uncertain origin