The Amethyst
The Amethyst was designated as the official State Gem Stone by the General Assembly June 24, 1969 (Act No. 345). "S.C. is one of three states where the gem stone Amethyst of good quality is found in the U.S.; the curator of mineralogy for the Smithsonian Institute has graded one of the largest early specimens from this State as the finest seen in this country; such stone now holds first place in the Amethyst section in the institute...is the most prized type of quartz for its wide use and various shades and hue from deep orchid color."