Mississippi Opal

Only one precious gemstone has been found in the state of Mississippi. Based on the state’s geological setting, such a gem should likely not exist. However, volcanic ash deposited some 20 million years ago altered the landscape which resulted in the creation of a unique opal which Geologists with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality have named “Mississippi Opal”. There is no rival to this stone in the state and our state’s leading Geologists through MDEQ are requesting that lawmakers give Mississippi Opal the due distinction of being named the state’s official gemstone.

Mississippi’s Official State Gemstone (as of March 3, 2023)

ADVOCATES OF THIS LEGISLATION: Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality’s Office of Geology, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks’ Natural Science Museum, Mississippi’s entire geological community including the Mississippi Geological Society, the Mississippi State Board of Registered Professional Geologists, and the North Mississippi Gem and Mineral Society.

• Opal is the only gemstone found in Mississippi to be considered a precious gem.
• Precious opal was created from volcanic ash millions of years ago.
• Opal has brilliant flashes of fire, ranging in color from green to red.