RocksdayRhode Island State Rock & Mineral: Cumberlandite, Bowenite
Rhode Island's state rock is cumberlandite, adopted in 1966. Rhode Island's state mineral is bowenite, adopted in 1966. Rhode Island's state fossil is the trilobite.
Symbol names and dates are taken from primary state sources linked below. Informal or proposed symbols are not listed unless adopted.
State rock: Cumberlandite
- Adopted:
- 1966
The Secretary of State describes it as a dark rock with white markings found in the state.
State mineral: Bowenite
- Adopted:
- 1966
- Variety:
- bowenite
It is a variety of serpentine. Serpentine is a mineral with a Mohs hardness of 2.5–5 and a greasy to waxy luster, usually green, yellow or black.
The Secretary of State says bowenite, found in northern Rhode Island, is a relative of jade.
Often confused with: Chrysotile, Jadeite, Nephrite
State fossil: Trilobite
- Law:
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-4-23
Trilobite is a fossil with a Mohs hardness of about 3–4 and a dull to vitreous luster, usually black, gray or brown.
Often confused with: Brachiopod, Eurypterid
Rhode Island state symbols FAQ
What is the state rock of Rhode Island?
Rhode Island's state rock is cumberlandite, adopted in 1966.
What is the state mineral of Rhode Island?
Rhode Island's state mineral is bowenite, adopted in 1966.
What is the state fossil of Rhode Island?
Rhode Island's state fossil is the trilobite (R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-4-23).
Sources
We cite primary sources (statutes, state government pages, federal regulations, and land-manager sites). Third-party listicles are not used as citations.
- State Symbols — Rhode Island Secretary of State (accessed 2026-10-24).
- Rhode Island General Laws § 42-4-23, State fossil — Rhode Island General Assembly (accessed 2026-10-24).
Last verified 2026-10-24. Corrections welcome: if a statute has changed, tell us and we'll re-verify.
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