Guide
Benitoite specimens for sale
15 for sale · $750–$5,000 USD
156 in the gallery
Benitoite is a mineral that forms transparent to translucent blue crystals in the hexagonal system, often displaying a vitreous to submetallic luster. Crystals typically occur as well-formed prisms or tabular shapes, sometimes showing strong blue coloration that can vary to pale azure. The mineral is famously associated with serpentinite and other alkaline ultramafic rocks, with notable finds historically recorded in San Benito County, California, where large, gem-quality crystals have attracted collectors and researchers alike.
- Formula
- BaTi(Si3O9)
- Rarity
- Rare
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- Very High Interest
- Classification notes
- Cyclosilicate, benitoite group (Strunz 9.CA.05)
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- hexagonal
- Mohs hardness
- 6–6.5
- Specific gravity
- 3.6–3.68
- Luster
- vitreous
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent
- Color
- colorless, white, blue, pink
- Streak
- white
- Cleavage
- poor
- Fracture
- conchoidal, uneven
- Crystal habit
- tabular, pyramidal, granular, massive
- Gem mineral
- Fluorescent: blue, white
- Classic / historic
Buy Benitoite specimens
View all 15Where Benitoite is found
Top localities
- Benitoite Gem Mine49 specimens
- California State Gem Mine26 specimens
- San Benito County5 specimens
- Dallas Mine2 specimens
- Junnila mine, Santa Rita Peak2 specimens
- New Idria Mining District1 specimen
Guides
All guides
Guide
Benitoite from San Benito County, USA
Benitoite - striking indigo-blue triangular crystals from San Benito County, a one-locality marvel with natrolite and California’s state gemstone status.Read guide
Guide
Benitoite from California State Gem Mine, USA
Benitoite — California State Gem Mine, USA. Type locality; saturated blue crystals with natrolite and neptunite, high collector appeal and UV fluorescence.Read guideAbout Benitoite
For collectors, Benitoite offers rarity and color that set it apart: intense blue hues, rarity outside its type locality, and its association with natrolite and other minerals in complex vein systems. Specimens may be accompanied by nephrite and other minerals from the same geologic environment, and high-quality crystals can exhibit good transparency and sharp termination. While not abundant in widespread deposits, the best Benitoite crystals from the USA are sought after for their distinctive blue color, crystal form, and the historical connection to California’s early mineral discoveries.
