Texas’ State Gem Was Established 60 Years Ago, What Is It?

When you think of Texas' state symbols, you may think of the state flag, or the state bird (mockingbird), but do you know what the state gem is? For that matter, did you know that there is both a state gem and a state stone? Well, get your shovels ready 'cuz we're discussing the state rocks in our slice of Heaven we call Texas.

What is Texas' State Gem?

Ignoring the joke answer of Willie Nelson, Texas' official state gem has been the blue topaz for nearly 60 years since 1969.

A common presence in high-end jewelry across the globe, topaz has early references dating back to ancient texts from thousands of years ago and was prized nearly on par with sapphires and rubies during that time.

There are also many spiritual qualities believed to be harnessed in the gemstone. For example, the mineral itself is thought to grant fortune and wisdom to its bearer, assisting in mending broken relationships through strengthened forgiveness.

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If you don't believe in all that, you still can't deny that it has a wonderfully calming and wickedly awesome blue color.

Oh yeah, and for everyone born in the month of November—congrats—topaz happens to be your birthstone.

Rockin' Around the Texas State Stone

Obviously, we all knew that Texas had a state stone... Petrified palmwood takes this title and was established in 1969 along with the state gem.

(Okay, so this is just a picture of normal petrified wood, but you get my point)

Petrified wood of any kind is often sought after due to the rich history it contains from times past and this particular variation is no exception.

Many years ago, like at least 20, Texas was believed to be covered in lush forests. As the trees fell into the ground and crystalized, we have what we see today as petrified wood. In Texas, these trees were commonly identified as ancient palm trees.

Due to the abundance of these stones, particularly in East Texas, it was officially declared the state stone by the 61st Texas Legislature in 1969 when Preston Smith was the Governor.

So, the next time you need an ice breaker at a public function or you want to annoy your co-workers, you can whip out your knowledge of the state gem and state stone. Trust me, you'll be, like, so popular.