These fossils belonged to the geological periods from the Jurassic age to the Cretaceous age. These are the fossils of the extinct species of marine water clams that are similar to mollusks, oysters, mussels and scallops. Pterotrigonia fossil was declared as the official state fossil of Tennessee in 1998. These are very interesting gold deposit due to the fact that they are so isolated from other gold sources. Gold can be panned from Coker Creek and Tellico River in southeastern Tennessee. These agates can be found at Horse Mountains situated in the town of Wartrace in Bedford County, Tennessee. The Stone displays rainbow like color patterns when subjected to light from a particular direction. The Iris Agate has very thin bands of various colors and almost appears transparent. The other popular and rare kind of agate found in Tennessee is the Iris Agate. The locations where the Paint Rock Agate can be found in Tennessee are the Greasy Cove, Mokay, Dripping Stone and Greenhaw located in Franklin County and Saw Mill, Heartbreak and Strawberry areas in Grundy County. One of the most appealing varieties is a transparent agate which has red colored bead like scattered hue floating within the stone. Some common varieties of the Paint Rock Agate are clear or milky agate, yellowish brown agate and agate with bands or swirls of red hue. It is found in wide spectrum of colors and has varied patterns. The Paint Rock Agate is the most popular variety of agate in the state.

Some of the most exclusive varieties of agates are found in Tennessee. Nowadays, Tennessee produces large amounts of cultured fresh water pearls that are found in various shapes such as teardrop, triangle, marquis, bar, navette, coin shaped and cabochon. Natural pearls come from many of the rivers in the state. The pearls in Tennessee are found in the freshwater rivers and streams flowing in the state and are a product created by the mussels that live in the freshwaters. Pearl is the official state gemstone of Tennessee. Sedimentary limestone rock is found throughout Tennessee in abundance and contains many of the fossil specimens. The western side of Tennessee is home to some marine fossils. The presence of the mountains has led to deposits of various gemstones and minerals in the state.

The eastern part of Tennessee is dominated by the Appalachian Mountains and the state’s border on its western side is bounded by the Mississippi River.

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