Although called 'Blue Star Quartz' by some, Alabama's Legislature named the commonly found 'Star Blue Quartz' as the States official gemstone in 1990. It is one of the most beautiful of the more common gemstones, and the cheapest, because there are so many..
Most quartz is a lasting souvenir of the volcanoes, which melted silica, which is then carried by water into crevices, where it crystallizes. Quartz is silicon dioxide. Such quartz often includes traces of other minerals picked up by water flowing underground. The Star Blue Quartz in Alabama contains microscopic inclusions of amphibole minerals and occasionally exhibits asterism. Plus there are many varying colors of Quartz in most of the States in America, and some have also named Quartz as their State gemstone; New Hampshire has smokey Quartz, South Dakota rose Quartz and Georgia clear Quartz. Once dug up, Quartz is made into glass, eyeglasses, electrical components, abrasives, gemstone jewelry and building stone, called granite, slate and marble. There is a little bit of quartz in every rock. .
Several varieties of quartz are valuable as gemstones and found throughout the state, including the popular amethyst and rose varieties. The star blue variety, which is abundant throughout the state is found in the best gemstone quality in Cullman County. Many people don't recognize the Star Blue Quartz once it has been cut and polished, as it appear more whitish than blue. It can come in both a 4 or 6-star version..
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