Gemstones Found in Virginia

Amethyst, Garnet, Beryl, Moonstone have all been found in Virginia.

Virginia State Gemstones

State Fossil: Chesapecten jeffersonius
Chesapecten jeffersonius was adopted as Virginia's State Fossil in 1993.

Useful Books & Bibliography:

Virginia:
• Roadside Geology of Virginia (Roadside Geology Series) - by Keith Frye, David Alt (Editor), Donald W. Hyndman (Editor)
  Virginia Geology book -- There are no better books for roadside geologizing than the Roadside Geology series.

  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.

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

• 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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