The Freshwater Pearl is the state gem of Tennessee
Tennessee is home to a range of semi-precious stones, including the state gem the Freshwater Pearl. In particular, gems are likely to be found in the east of the state, where the Appalachian Mountains are situated. Though not commercially-mined, the area is popular with amateur enthusiasts, or 'rock hounds' as they often call themselves.
Tennessee Freshwater Pearl
Formed from freshwater mussels, the Tennessee Freshwater Pearl can be found in lakes and rivers across the states. Since gemstones are, in essence, crystaline rocks that can be cut and polished, pearls are not technically gemstones. They have, however, been classed as such by collectors and enthusisasts since the Victorian era, when the deinition of precious gems and gemstones began to get broader.
The river peal was designated Tennessee's State Gem in 1979. The Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Farm in Camden -- the only freshwater pearl farm outside of Asia -- gives a comprehensive insight of the creation and production of the state gem.
Emeralds
Around 270 million years ago, the tectonic plates that now lie under the continents of North America and Africa collided, pushing up rocks to form what is now the Appalachian mountain range. In the Southern Appalachian region, which includes almost the entire eastern half of the east of Tennessee as well as significant portions of several neighboring states, high-purity minerals such as quartz and mica and emeralds, though very rare, can theoretically also be found in this part of the Volunteer State.
Beryl
As with sapphires, the geological history of the Appalachian Mountains means that, though rarely found, beryl is also present in the eastern region of Tennessee.
While pure beryl is colorless, it is mainly found tinted by impurities, in particular with blue, red, yellow or white tints. Green beryl that is colored by trace amounts of chromium and occasionally vanadium is also known as emerald.
Middle Tennessee Gem and Mineral Society Museum
Tennessee boasts fewer gemstones than some other American states, but the Middle Tennessee State University Mineral, Gem and Fossil Museum has on display examples from all over the world.
Located in Murfreesboro, the museum was established in 2005 by the university's Department of Geosciences and is open to members of the public as well as to students.
Tags: Freshwater Pearl, Appalachian Mountains, Middle Tennessee, Tennessee Freshwater, Tennessee Freshwater Pearl, Tennessee State
