Gemstones-There’s More in Pennsylvania Than Just Coal!

Coal isn’t the only rock found in Pennsylvania, although, born and raised in Southwestern Pennsylvania’s coal country, it always seemed that way! The Hillman Hall of Gems and Minerals is a great place to learn about some of the gemstones that can be found in Pennsylvania. In May of 2019, a temporary exhibit was installed in the Wertz Gallery of the Hall of Gems and Minerals featuring gemstones found in the state.  A permanent display also features various minerals  and gemstones from the region, and explains their importance in the industrial and economic development of the area.

Some states have a State Gemstone-but Pennsylvania isn’t one of them! Rep. Tom Mehaffie ( R., Dauphin County), introduced a resolution in 2018 to declare amethyst the state gemstone. The eastern counties of Lancaster, Chester, and Delaware have been sources of a variety of gem material, including amethyst, and the Miss Pennsylvania crown features a large, keystone shaped amethyst in the center. On display in the Wertz Gallery and the Hillman Hall of Gems and Minerals, you will find examples of amethyst, various faceted quartz crystals, aquamarine, amazonite, malachite, and other materials. And of course, there are several examples of jet-not to leave out coal!