Senate Bill 2138

(As Sent to Governor)

AN ACT CREATING A NEW SECTION 3-3-66, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, DESIGNATING THE MISSISSIPPI OPAL AS THE STATE GEMSTONE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. The following shall be codified as Section 3-3-66, Mississippi Code of 1972:

3-3-66. The Mississippi Opal is hereby designated as the official state gemstone in Mississippi. The Mississippi Opal is the only gem stone found thus far to have been naturally produced within the geographical boundaries of Mississippi, having been discovered during detailed geological mapping of Catahoula Formation in Claiborne County by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Equality, Office of Geology. The Mississippi Opal is a precious gemstone which shows brilliant flashes of fire, ranging from green to red. Designation of the Mississippi Opal as the official state gemstone encourages pride in our state's rich natural heritage.

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