House Bill 772

(As Passed the House)

AN ACT TO DESIGNATE THE MISSISSIPPI OPAL AS THE OFFICIAL STATE GEMSTONE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Opal is the only gem found thus far to have been naturally produced within the geographical boundaries of Mississippi, having been discovered during detailed geological mapping of the Catahoula Formation in Claiborne County by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, Office of Geology; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Opal is a precious gemstone which shows brilliant flashes of fire, ranging in color from green to red; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi has yet to designate a state gemstone, and the designation of the Mississippi Opal as the official state gemstone will encourage pride in our state's rich, natural heritage; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. The Mississippi Opal is hereby designated as the official state gemstone of Mississippi.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.