Gemstones Found in Alabama

Gemstones found in Alabama are: blue and yellow beryl, Smokey Quartz, and Hematite.

Alabama State Gemstones

• State Gemstone: Star Blue Quartz
  Star Blue Quartz was adopted as Alabama's State Gemstone in 1990.
  
  
• State Mineral: Hematite (Red Iron Ore)
  Hematite was adopted by Alabama as its official State Mineral in 1967. Hematite (Red Iron Ore) is an oxide of iron. Although hematite is no longer actively mined, it was once heavily mined in central and northeastern Alabama.
  
  
• State Rock: Marble
  Marble was adopted as Alabama's State Gemstone in 1969. Marble is found in Talladega County. Marble mined from Alabama is used in buildings throughout the US.

Useful Books & Bibliography:

Alabama:
• Earth Treasures: The Southeastern Quadrant, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and more - by Allan W. Eckert
  Precise detailed listings, excellent index, should be in every rock-hounders back-pack.

• Alabama Trails - by Patricia Stenger Sharpe
  Handy pocket guide provides information on the many hiking trails available in the beautiful state of Alabama.

  Gemstone Related:

• Field Collecting Gemstones and Minerals - by John Sinkankas
  Probably the best general description written for the layperson about how, where, and why gem and mineral deposits form.

• Gemstones (Smithsonian Handbooks) - by Cally Hall
  A field guide to gemstones. Nice pictures and good, brief, well-written descriptions of over 130 varieties of gemstones.

• The Curious Lore of Precious Stones - by George Frederick Kunz
  The definitive book on fascinating, traditional gem lore. Very practical.

• Gem Identification Made Easy: A Hands-On Guide to More Confident Buying & Selling New 3rd Edition - by Antoinette L. Matlins & Antonio C. Bonanno
  This book is really great for knowing he latest gems, synthetics, treatments, and instruments. Easy to use.

• Gemstone Buying Guide: A Guide to Buying - by Renee Newman
  Very nice gemstone identification book.

• Simon and Schuster's Guide to Gems and Precious Stones - by C. Ciprianai, Kennie Lyman (Editor), Alessando Borelli
  This book is one inch thick and every facing page has a full colored photo of gems or precious stones. Hardness, weights, cuts, refractions, and value of color are given for each gem.

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