As many of you know, the gem and mineral clubs in Maryland have been working for some time to have the legislature pass legislation which would give us a state gem, mineral and rock. Two years ago, we worked together to have legislation naming golden topaz as the state gem defeated since none of us felt it was an appropriate symbol for our state.

Last year, with the help of the Maryland Geological Survey, all the clubs in Maryland (except one) joined with the Maryland Jeweler's Association and agreed to accept garnet and williamsite as the gem choices we would support. Cockeysville marble was selected as the state rock and chromite as the mineral.

As many of you are aware, a new material was found last year and named "Patuxent River Agate". The gentleman who found the material made known to me and several others including Ken Schwartz of the Geological Survey, his intention to create controversy and have the Patuxent River Agate named as the state gemstone. He indicated that should legislation for the agreed on gems (garnet and williamsite) be introduced he would do whatever he needed to do in order to defeat such legislation. He plainly indicated that he intended to raise controversy if HIS gem material were not accepted. He has also indicated to me and others, that he feels that the stone he has is marketable but he alone seems to control the inventory! And it is not something widely found in Maryland nor is it a "household word" (like garnet which is very marketable for the jewelry trade).

As of this date, "Patuxent River Agate" has not been authenticated by any of the accepted authorities - not the Smithsonian, not GIA (although he has some signatures from GIA members indicating that they think the material is what he says it is), etc.

Based on the desire to one day have a state gemstone, the gem clubs, jewelers association and Maryland Geological Survey agreed that this year, no legislation supporting the adoption of a gem be introduced. There will be legislation asking for the state rock (Cockeysville marble) and mineral (chromite). These should not prove to be controversial.

Mr. Lee, the proponent of Patuxent River Agate, has found a delegate willing to introduce legislation promoting the PRA as the sole state gemstone. The legislation totally disregards the consensus of the rockhound community, jewelers association and MGS.

WE MUST ACT IMMEDIATELY to bring change to this legislation.

--Carolyn Weinberger
Gem Cutters Guild of Baltimore