PA Could Get An Official State Rock

PENNSYLVANIA — In the centuries that have passed since William Penn founded the state in 1681, Pennsylvania has never had an official state rock. That could be about to change.

Republican state Rep. Doyle Heffley of Carbon County is poised to introduce legislation that would designate anthracite, or hard coal, as Pennsylvania's official rock.

"As you know, state symbols are important in helping us better understand what makes Pennsylvania unique," Heffley wrote in a recent memo to other representatives.

"Each symbol connected with Pennsylvania has historical significance or recognizes a native species or product of great meaning to the economy of Pennsylvania. The designation of
anthracite as the official state rock was suggested to me by a constituent."

An official state rock might seem odd, but Pennsylvania has a tradition of adopting a variety of state symbols, including:

• Bird: Ruffed Grouse.

• Dog: Great Dane.

• Animal: White-tailed deer.

• Tree: Eastern hemlock.

• Flower: Mountain laurel.

• Fish: Brook trout.

• Insect: Firefly (really.)

• Amphibian: Hellbender. In case you're wondering, a hellbender is the largest salamander in North America.