Amethyst Stamp

On June 13, 1974, the U.S. Postal Service issued a sheet of four different Mineral Heritage stamps commemorating amethyst, petrified wood, rhodochrosite, and tourmaline -- each recognized by a separate stamp.

Amethyst is crystallized quartz with a purple hue that is popular for use in jewelry. On March 18, 1976, Gov. George Busbee signed a joint resolution of the General Assembly designating quartz -- in both the amethyst and clear forms -- as Georgia's official state gem.

National first day of issue ceremonies for the four stamps were held in Lincoln, Nebraska as part of the opening of the 1974 National Gem and Mineral Show.

(c) Carl Vinson Institute of Government, The University of Georgia

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