Welcome to the new interactive Austin Gem and Mineral Society website! While scrolling through you will find changes to the look, feel and navigation of the site.
Among the changes you will notice is our new website logo featuring the culmination of all aspects of our beloved gem and mineral interests into a faceted blue topaz. This is not just any topaz, this is the beautiful blue topaz, the official gem of Texas, with the official Texas Lone Star Cut! The Lone Star Cut, designed by brothers Dr. Paul W Worden, Jr and Gary B Worden, became the official gemstone cut of the State of Texas on May 25, 1977 upon the signing of House Concurrent Resolution No 97 by Governor Dolph Brisco.
The Worden brothers were active members of the Austin Gem and Mineral Society at the time they created the Lone Star Cut that has brought continued pride and historic significance to our club.
You can see the official declaration and copy of HCR 97
https://www.netstate.com/states/symb/gemstone.cuts/tx_lone_star_cut.htm
Current Club Logo
New Website Logo
ExCerPt from the website
The lone star cut was named the official State gemstone cut of Texas by House Concurrent Resolution and is not, therefore, listed in the Texas Statutes.
Only a few of Texas’ myriad symbols were actually adopted by an act of the legislature and written into the Texas Statutes.
Diagramed definitions used in House Concurrent Resolution No. 97. Diamond and triangular shapes represent “facets.”
- table – the top surface of a cut gemstone.
- pavilion – the bottom part of a cut gemstone.
- crown – the top part of a cut gemstone.
- facet(s) – flat surface(s) of a gemstone, geometrically arranged to bring out the brilliance of a gem. There are different facet styles.
- culet – flat surface on the bottom of a cut gemstone.
- girdle – the widest part of a cut gemstone.
Looks Great, Team! AGMS is onward and rocking.
The diagram above used in the legislative resolution would be an excellent chart posted behind the faceting demonstration at the Show. It includes the points covered in the Quest used by Students, and helps the faceter keep focus forward.
Absolutely beautiful