THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE BILL

INTRODUCED BY PICKETT, FABRIZIO, FLECK, GEIST, GINGRICH, HENNESSEY, PHILLIPS, RAPP, ROHRER, SCAVELLO, SIPTROTH AND STERN, FEBRUARY 4, 2009

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, FEBRUARY 4, 2009  

AN ACT

Selecting, designating and adopting celestite, more commonly

known as celestine, as the official State mineral of the

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The General Assembly finds and declares as follows:

(1)  Celestite was first discovered near Frankstown,

Pennsylvania, in 1791 by Abraham G. Werner, who named the

mineral for its pale blue color.

(2)  Celestite is unique in the mineral kingdom due to

its famous colorful combinations of minerals.

(3)  Celestite 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.

(4)  The designating of a State mineral will provide a

positive experience to countless school children whose

interest in Pennsylvania history and geology will be piqued.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1.  Official State mineral.

Celestite, a mineral appearing in blue-tinged or white

orthorhombic crystals or in fibrous masses, is hereby selected,

designated and adopted as the official State mineral of the

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Section 2.  Effective date.

This act shall take effect immediately.