Amethyst

South Carolina designated amethyst as the official state gemstone in 1969. House Bill No. 1808 (H1808):

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 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.

(Approved the 24th day of June, 1969)