Location of Mineral Deposit:   BENITOITE GEM MINE, SAN BENITO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Description: These Benitoites Fluoresces a Brilliant Light Blue color under a Shortwave Ultra Violet Light on Natrolite matrix.

Benitoite is wonderful gemstone mineral that was only discovered at the beginning of this century. Benitoite was discovered in 1906 near the headwaters of the San Benito River, in San Benito County, California.

It is the only gem known in its crystal class. Its beautiful triangular crystals were predicted mathematically before any material in that class was ever found. Hardness is 6.5, the Stone sizes are small, as only tips of crystals are gemmy.

Benitoite, Miscellaneous data:
Psychic activator. From old Lemurian energy area in California along with Joaquinite & Neptunite.  Benitoite crystals can be found with Josaquinites,  Neptunites that are so red they appear black, the "typical  snowfields" of natrolite are surrounded by well shaped and fluorescent  Gemmy Benitoite crystals. The gem plate is supported by the typical substrate, Crossite--- closely related to Glaucophane shist.

BaTiSi₃O₉ - Barium Titanium Silicate

Benitoite is a somewhat obscure, but wonderful gemstone mineral that was only discovered at the beginning of this century. Benitoite was discovered in 1906 near the headwaters of the San Benito River, in San Benito County, California. It has a sapphire blue color and was first thought to be a variety of sapphire.

It is the only gem known in its crystal class. Its beautiful triangular crystals were predicted mathematically before any material in that class was ever found. The cut stones are brilliant blue, from colorless to deep blue and full of fire, since dispersion is only slightly less, equal to, or slightly higher than diamond. In recent years a few pink stones have been faceted. Hardness is satisfactory at 6.5, but it requires some care in setting and wearing it. Stone sizes are small, as only tips of crystals are gemmy. Gems much over one carat are uncommon and only about five a year are over two carats.

The sapphire-blue or colorless crystals are small; gem quality specimens larger than two carats are rare.Faceted stones are usually under 1 carat; the largest documented stone is 7.8 carats and resides at the Smithsonian. Benitoites sell for over $1000 per carat and the price has been raising rapidly as the deposit has been largely worked out and available gems sold.

One of the finest and rarest of gemstones, benitoite combines the color of fine blue sapphire with the dispersion of diamond. Some stones may have been etched, consequently one may well reveal more Neptunites and Benitoites...

Important Note: to reduce the depth of the natrolite careful etching with a watered down (4 parts water to 1 part muriactic acid) solution will reveal more of the protruding crystals and some now blanketed  and occluded from view by the Natrolite. Do not rush this process, 6 hours at a time followed by liberal flushing after buffering the acid with baking soda is recommended  Also let dry, fully, then lightly, carefully scrape off the loosened natrolite with a sharp, thin steel point. One should also "protect" those Neptunite and Benitiote crystals of interest by applying a sufficient coating of bee's wax or surf wax (this also contains bees's wax). Between etchings scrub LIGHTLY (using a well worn toothbrush) with warm soapy water and rinse.. Proceed carefully examining crystals of interest for possible loosening.