The United States of America has a wide variety of ore and mineral deposits, and nearly all 50 States have named a stone, a gem or rock that is regionally common and abundant.
There are more than 5,000 minerals on planet Earth, according to the International Mineralogical Association (IMA). Not all can be precious; not all are considered to be rare.
The USA is not known for its large gemstone mining industry. Actually, there are less than 1500 workers searching for precious minerals nationwide. Roughly 99.9 percent of all gems bought in the US come from foreign markets.
However, in Uncle Sam's territory, it is possible to find and mine nearly all precious and semi-precious stones. Arizona, for example, is one of the richest States, and it is famous for its intense turquoises.
Some US States have officially adopted a mineral. Others have picked two gems, and there's one - Louisiana - that chose a gemstone cut and a precious stone. The first US State to officially name its gem was Nebraska, back in 1943.
Five US States have not elected any gem, mineral, rock or stone. They are Kansas, New Jersey, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Discover which US State adopted a particular gemstone, mineral, rock, and stone.
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US State Alabama |
Gemstones, Minerals, Rocks and Stones | Date of Adoption Star Blue Quartz (1990), Hematite (1967), Marble (1969) |
