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Ladies and gentlemen, gather 'round, because we're about to dive headfirst into a sparkling world of gemstones, specifically Alabama's very own pride and joy: the Star Blue Quartz. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Gemstones? In Alabama?" You better believe it! Grab your pickaxe and your sense of wonder, because we're going mining.
First things first, this precious gem was adopted as the state's official gemstone in 1990. Why? Because it's dazzling, that's why! It's the kind of stone that'd give even the Hope Diamond a run for its money, and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. In fact, it's one of the most affordable gemstones around. Why, you ask? Well, because there's a whole lot of it buried in the heart of Alabama. It's like Mother Nature decided to have a blue-themed party underground, and everyone's invited. But what exactly is this Star Blue Quartz? Well, hang on to your sunhats, because it's a type of quartz (SiO2 for you chemistry buffs) that's got all the glitz and glam you could ever want. Quartz is like the Beyoncé of minerals – it's everywhere, and everyone loves it. But this Star Blue Quartz, well, it's the Queen Bee of the quartz family. Now, let's talk history. This gem got its official status thanks to a bill proposed by Senator Don Hale from Cullman County. Can you imagine the Senator holding up a sparkling blue gem in the State Capitol? It must have been quite the sight! This gem is so unique that it deserved its own special recognition. And here's a little geological tidbit for you: quartz is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth's crust, right behind feldspar. So, next time you're hiking in the Alabama wilderness and you spot some sparkly bits in the rocks, you might just have stumbled upon a piece of this mesmerizing gem. But wait, there's more! Quartz isn't just pretty to look at; it's also tough as nails. On the Mohs scale of hardness, it proudly sits at a solid 7 – and trust me, that's impressive. It's right up there with diamonds and sapphires. In fact, quartz is so tough that it can easily scratch glass. So, if you ever find yourself in a glass-breaking emergency, you know what to reach for. Now, let's talk about the real magic of quartz. It can do some pretty wild things when it gets hot and bothered. You see, quartz can transform from one type to another at a scorching 573°C (that's 1,063°F). It's like a superhero in the world of minerals, shape-shifting when things heat up. But here's the kicker: there's not just one kind of quartz. Nope, there are many different varieties, and some of them are downright fancy. We've got citrine, rose quartz, amethyst, smoky quartz, milky quartz – it's like a gemstone fashion show. Each one has its own unique color and flair, making quartz the rockstar of the gem world. Speaking of rockstars, did you know that quartz has been used in jewelry and carvings since ancient times? Yep, people have been bedazzling themselves with this stuff for centuries. From engraved gems to extravagant vessels, quartz has been the bling of choice for generations. Now, I won't bore you with all the technical details about quartz's crystal structure and chemical composition – we're here for the glitz and glamour, after all. But just know that when it comes to gemstones, quartz is the belle of the ball. So, the next time you're strolling through Alabama and you spot a little sparkle in the rocks, take a closer look. It might just be a piece of that dazzling Star Blue Quartz, the gem that shines brighter than a southern starlit night. Comments are closed.
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AuthorThe Birmingham Free Press was established in 1997 as an independent news and entertainment source. We publish a variety of books, magazines, and comics, along with our flagship, broadsheet newspaper. Archives
August 2023
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