geology, offered the name and physical description in 1798.
The first crystal structure of celestine was published in
1925 by R. W. James and W. A. Wood.
(14) Celestine derives its name from Latin caelestis,
meaning "heavenly," in allusion to the beautiful sky-blue
color of the first specimen from this Commonwealth. Celestine
grows as large, clear crystals that can be faceted into gems.
With the same brilliance as topaz, celestine crystals are
lovely gemstones.
(15) Celestine has been found in Bellwood, Blair County;
East Salem, Juniata County; Lime Bluff, Lycoming County;
Meckley's Quarry, Northumberland County; Allenport,
Huntingdon County; and Faylors Middle Creek Quarry, Mifflin
County.
(16) Celestine is a major ore for strontium, whose
compounds are responsible for the bright red flames in
fireworks and road flares. Strontium salts also were employed
for refining beet sugar, and, during the long period when
cathode-ray tubes dominated television technology, strontium
was added to the glass to absorb X-rays for the protection of
the viewer.
(17) Designating celestine as our State mineral will
remind the residents of Pennsylvania that our Commonwealth
boasts a rich natural history that is marked by a mineralogy
of great beauty and diversity. This act will provide a
positive experience to countless school children whose
interest in Pennsylvania history and geology will be piqued.
Section 2. Official State gemstone.
Amethyst is hereby designated as the official State gemstone
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
20210HB0777PN0755 - 3 -
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