Move to make Mississippi Opal the official state gem

A precious stone has been discovered in our state and now, scientists want it to become the official gem of Mississippi.

Opals have been discovered in 20-million-year-old volcanic ash in Claiborne County near Vicksburg. There’s not an official state gem at the moment, but geologists through the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality are pushing for it.

If passed, House Bill 772 would make the Mississippi Opal, a gem-quality stone that’s more rare than diamonds, the official gemstone. Director of Surface Geology James E. Starnes said, “I’m hoping this inspires everybody to get out there and be interested in the world around them but also take pride in something like this that we have in our state. Mississippi Opal is very unique in its display of colors. It’s a beautiful, beautiful stone. Nothing like this has been found anywhere else.”

And for your jewelry hounds out there, the DEQ says the Mississippi Opal is not yet on the market.