Benitoite with Neptunite on Natrolite from California USA - image 1

Benitoite with Neptunite on Natrolite from California USA

Unknown Owner
Superbly perched atop on matrix of white Natrolite is a fine crystal of lustrous and translucent, rich blue Benitoite, measuring 2 cm in length. Also perched on the Natrolite matrix are slender black crystals of Neptunite, to 5 mm in length. It is not the biggest Benitoite, but it is among the finest for perfect frontal symmetry on display, that you can ask for and in a competitive miniature collection, that first look matters most.

Product details

Species
Neptunite, Benitoite, NatroliteAbout Neptunite →
SizeMiniature
Dimensions3.5 x 3.0 x 3.0 cm
Weight67 grams
Added on10/22/2024
Locality
USA, California, California State Gem MineRegional guide →

Known provenance

DateCollectorAcquisition price
—Fine Art MineralsNot disclosed

Learn more

Neptunite
Mineral guide
Learn about Neptunite
jet-black, high-luster prisms with natrolite and benitoite; California State Gem Mine specimens exemplify striking contrast, rarity, and display.
Neptunite
Regional guide
Neptunite from California State Gem Mine, USA
from the California State Gem Mine is one of the great black-crystal classics of American mineral collecting: sharp, monoclinic prisms with a lacquered, almost metallic-looking luster, rising from white natrolite and, on the most coveted pieces, accompanied by blue benitoite and tiny honey- to orange-brown joaquinite-(Ce). Thick crystals read as jet-black across the room, but fine edges and broken splinters can flash deep reddish brown to maroon, a color clue that separates neptunite from the tourmaline-like impression it can give at first glance.