The Beehive State designated Honeycomb Calcite as the official state stone in 2021 (Utah Code). Representative Christine Watkins (R-Castle Dale) sponsored H.B. 188 after visiting Duchesne County, which is the only place in the world where that honeycomb calcite is found. Governor Spencer J. Cox signed the bill into law on March 16, 2021.

In 1995 while searching for emeralds, geologists, gemologists, and graduate students from Brigham Young University discovered 170,000 tons of fibrous calcite, a marblelike stone that possesses a honey color. Found in the high Uintas, honeycomb calcite was formed about 500 million years ago. Honeycomb calcite is heavy, with a density greater than concrete or granite. Shamrock Mining Associates, based in Hanna, Utah, have exclusive mining rights and affirm that their mining process is environmentally-friendly.

Honeycomb calcite is considered a semi-precious stone. Once the surface is polished, it can be used for countertops, tiles, carved sculptures, ornamental pieces, jewelry, headstones, and architectural applications. The beehive in the seal in the floor of the Utah State Capitol’s first floor is made of honeycomb calcite.

Unlike other forms of calcite, Honeycomb calcite stands out for its color, patterns, crystal structure, translucency, transparency, ability to be highly polished, and resistance to fading in sunlight. Additionally, the stone’s translucent and transparent qualities produce a calming glow that is the color of honey when lit with candles, electric lights, or LEDs.

Honeycomb calcite gets its name from the unique and distinctive honeycomb pattern visible in some pieces. Its color ranges from pale lemon yellow to deep golden amber, depending on the thickness of the stone, and is attributed to sulfur deposits during formation. Hues range from yellow, orange, amber, honey, to white. The stone’s patterns vary from tightly grouped hexagonal cells to larger areas with minimal cell walls.

Generally, there are three patterns of honeycomb calcite: translucent, honeycomb and opaque. These patterns often appear in combination within a single stone.

Some believe the stone has healing properties, such as amplifying energies, balancing emotions, promoting harmony, increasing perceptions, and boosting memory retention.