The bill amends Section 12-3-4 of the New Mexico Statutes to officially designate a state mineral. Specifically, it introduces the insertion of "STATE MINERAL" into the list of state symbols, and it adopts "Smithsonite" as the official mineral of New Mexico. This addition aligns with the state's tradition of recognizing various symbols that represent its natural heritage and cultural identity.

In addition to the new designation, the bill maintains the existing list of state symbols, which includes the state flower, bird, tree, fish, animal, vegetables, gem, grass, fossil, cookie, insect, question, answer, nickname, butterfly, reptile, amphibian, aircraft, historic railroad, tie, necklace, and aroma. The inclusion of Smithsonite as the state mineral enriches the representation of New Mexico's geological diversity and acknowledges the significance of minerals in the state's history and economy.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 12-3-4