Illinois
Illinois State Gemstones
Gemstones throughout the US
US State Gemstones
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Like other fresh water pearls, Illinois pearl can be used in jewelry.
Fluorite is also found in Illinois. It is a soft stone often used in carved figurines and beaded jewelry. It also has many commercial uses as in making steel, aluminum, glass, and many chemicals.
Illinois State Gemstones
Gemstones throughout the US
US State Gemstones
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State Mineral: Fluorite
Fluorite was adopted as Illinois's State Mineral in 1965. Illinois is the largest producer of Fluorite in the United States.
Illinois State Gemstones
Gemstones throughout the US
US State Gemstones
Useful Books & Bibliography:
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Illinois:
- Illinois State Parks: A Guide to Illinois State Parks - by Bill Bailey
A guide to state parks throughout Illinois. Great for day trips.Gemstone Related:
- Gemstones (Eyewitness Handbooks) - by Cally Hall, Harry Taylor (Photographer)
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 2nd 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.Thanks to Amazon.com for fast, efficient, and reliable book processing
