South Carolina State Gem Stone

Amethyst Adopted: June 24, 1969

The amethyst, a variety of quartz, became the official gem stone of South Carolina when House Bill No. 1808 (H1808) was signed by Governor Robert McNair on June 24, 1969. H1808 also named blue granite the official stone of South Carolina.

(R494, H1808, A345)
AN ACT

TO DESIGNATE THE AMETHYST AS THE OFFICIAL STATE GEM STONE AND BLUE GRANITE AS THE OFFICIAL STATE STONE.

Whereas, South Carolina is one of three states where the gem stone amethyst of good quality is found in the United States; and

Whereas, the curator of mineralogy for the Smithsonian Institute has graded one of the largest early specimens from this State as the finest seen in the country; and

Whereas, such stone now holds first place in the amethyst section in the Institute; and

Whereas, the amethyst is the most prized type of quartz for its wide use and various shades and hue from deep orchid color; and

Whereas, the blue granite stone of this State has been widely used to beautify all areas of South Carolina; and

Whereas, South Carolina has a state flag, a state flag, a state song, a state bird, a state flower, a state tree; and

Whereas, in preparing for the Three-hundredth Anniversary of the founding of this State, it is only fitting that a State gem stone and a state stone be officially adopted. Now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1. Official gem of State.--The amethyst is the official gem stone of the State.

SECTION 2. Official stone of State.--Blue granite is the official stone of the State.

SECTION 3. Time effective.--This act shall take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Approved the 24th day of June, 1969

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South Carolina State Gem Stone: Amethyst
Photographs, posters, prints

South Carolina Law

The following information was excerpted from the South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 1, Chapter 1, Article 9, Section 1-1-610.

Title 1 - Administration of the Government
CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 9. STATE EMBLEMS, PLEDGE TO STATE FLAG, OFFICIAL OBSERVANCES
SECTION 1-1-610.

SECTION 1-1-610. Official State gem stone.

The amethyst is the official gem stone of the State.

Sources...

State of South Carolina. South Carolina Code of Laws. Columbia: State of South Carolina, 2011. Web. 21 May 2011. .
Shearer, Benjamin F. and Barbara S. State Names, Seals, Flags and Symbols: A Historical Guide Third Edition, Revised and Expanded. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press, 3 Sub edition, 2001.

South Carolina State Gem Stone: Amethyst
Photographs, posters, prints

Additional Information

South Carolina State Gemstone – Amethyst: SCIWAY - South Carolina's Information Highway.

Amethyst: The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA).

The Mineral Amethyst: The Mineral and Gemstone Kingdom: Complete information guide to rocks, minerals, gemstones, and jewelry.

State Gemstones: Complete list of official state gemstones from NETSTATE.COM.

State Rocks: Complete list of official state rocks from NETSTATE.COM.

More symbols & emblems: Complete list of official South Carolina state symbols from NETSTATE.COM.

Crystal & Gem

Crystal & Gem (Eyewitness Books), by R.F. Symes and R.R. Harding. 72 pages. Publisher: DK Dorling Kindersley (June 25, 2007) Reading level: Ages 9-12. Be an eyewitness to the stunning natural beauty of crystals of every size, shape, and color -- and their remarkable uses for everything from surgeons' scalpels to silicon chips. Full-color photos. Learn about the formation and practical uses of crystals, semiprecious stones, and precious metals. "The dazzling full-color photographs on uncluttered pages make this a visual treat."--School Library Journal. Clip-art CD included.

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Gemstones (Smithsonian Handbooks), by Cally Hall. 160 pages. Publisher: DK Dorling Kindersley 2 edition (May 15, 2002) The Smithsonian Handbook of Gemstones is packed with more than 800 vivid full-colour photographs of more than 130 varieties of cut and uncut stones, organic gemstones and precious metals. With authoritative text, clear photography and a systematic approach, this concise guide to identification enables you to recognize each gemstone instantly.

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