Mississippi Code Title 3. State Sovereignty, Jurisdiction and Holidays § 3-3-66

The Mississippi Opal is hereby designated as the official state gemstone in Mississippi. The Mississippi Opal is the only gem stone found thus far to have been naturally produced within the geographical boundaries of Mississippi, having been discovered during detailed geological mapping of Catahoula Formation in Claiborne County by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Equality, Office of Geology. The Mississippi Opal is a precious gemstone which shows brilliant flashes of fire, ranging from green to red. Designation of the Mississippi Opal as the official state gemstone encourages pride in our state's rich natural heritage.