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Nebraska Symbols, Rock: Prairie Agate
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Prairie Agate
(SiO2 - Silicon Dioxide)
Adopted on March 1, 1967.
The Prairie Agate became the state rock on March 1, 1967 (Nebraska's Centennial). Agate is a semiprecious stone, and Nebraska has an abundance of it, especially in the Oglala National Grassland. Prairie Agate, the Nebraska State Rock, is found in about the same areas as Fairburn Agate. Prairie Agate does not have the fine banding that characterizes Fairburn Agates, but it can be transformed into very fine cabochons (an unfaceted cut gemstone of domed or convex form). Agate is a variegated quartz noted for its layered varieties. In most specimens, the bands are very coarse and differ in color and translucency, as well as in compactness and porosity. The prairie agate, distinguished from most other agates because it seldom has these bands, is still colorful, has a rounded irregular shape and is popular for jewelry.
Revised Statues - Chapter 90 Special Acts
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90-110: State rock; prairie agate.
The chalcedony stone, commonly known as prairie agate, is hereby declared the state rock of Nebraska.
General Quartz Information
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| Chemical Formula |
SiO2 |
| Composition |
Molecular Weight = 60.08 gm |
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Silicon 46.74 % Si 100.00 % SiO2 |
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Oxygen 53.26 % O |
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______ |
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100.00 % |
| Empirical Formula |
(SiO2) |
| Environment |
Sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks. |
| IMA Status |
Approved IMA 1962 |
| Locality |
Found world wide |
| Name Origin |
From the German "quarz", of uncertain origin |
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