Blue topaz; photo © theimage.com (noncommercial use permitted with attribution).
Official State Gem of Texas
Texas blue topaz was designated the official state gem in 1969, and in 1977 the Lone Star cut was adopted by Texas as the official state gemstone cut. All State Gems
The Lone Star cut, designed by two native Texans, is a special gemstone cut that reflects a five-pointed star (the Lone Star of Texas).
Topaz comes in all colors; a golden orange-yellow (called "imperial topaz") is considered the most valuable. Topaz is commonly thought of as a sky-blue gem, but a deep blue hue is rare in nature (colorless and light-hued stones are heat-treated to achieve the blue color).
The largest gem topaz deposits are in Brazil and Russia. Other locations include Mexico and the USA (Texas, Colorado, Utah).
House Concurrent Resolution No. 12 (1969)
WHEREAS, The State of Texas has not officially designated a state gem or a state stone; and
WHEREAS, The Texas Gem and Mineral Society has adopted appropriate resolutions in support of designating the TEXAS BLUE TOPAZ as the official State gem and PETRIFIED PALMWOOD as the official State stone; and
WHEREAS, It is appropriate that the State Legislature take the necessary action whereby the TEXAS BLUE TOPAZ and PETRIFIED PALMWOOD may be officially named as the State gem and the State stone, respectively; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, By the House of Representatives of the State of Texas, the Senate concurring, that the recommendations of the Texas Gem and Mineral Society be and are hereby adopted, and that the TEXAS BLUE TOPAZ be and is hereby declared to be the official State gem and PETRIFIED PALMWOOD be and is hereby declared to be the official State stone of Texas.
House Concurrent Resolution No.97 (1977)
WHEREAS, The flag of Texas, the public symbol for all to see, has a lone star as its prominent feature; and
WHEREAS, This is reflected in the State slogan "Texas--The Lone Star State"; and
WHEREAS, A special gemstone cut known as the Lone Star Cut has been designed by two native Texans; and
WHEREAS, Any gemstone may be cut in this manner, including the State Gem, the Blue Topaz; and
WHEREAS, The special characteristic of the Lone Star Cut is the appearance to the viewer when looking directly into the stone, in that it reflects the five-pointed star; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by the House of Representatives of the State of Texas, the Senate concurring, That the Lone Star Cut be and is hereby designated as the official State Gemstone Cut of Texas; and, now, be it
RESOLVED, That the specifications for faceting the Lone Star Cut are for an 80 index gear and shall be as follows:
