Benitoite

This large cluster of crystals from the California State Gem Mine is composed entirely of sapphire-blue Benitoite! There are a dozen crystals in this group ranging from 3 mm to 2.5 cm, all of them exhibiting great overall luster, which is unusual for Benitoite! Most of the crystals are entirely sapphire blue from rim to core, except only the larger crystal on the backside that shows a whitish central area. These triangular crystals have the the classic form and color and are fairly well isolated on this cluster, sticking out for sharp geometry in every direction. Under short wave UV this cluster is a vibrant creamy blue color! Not discovered until 1907 from this (type) locality, this barium-titanium silicate has turned out to be one of the gems of the mineral world for its rarity and beauty. This is a very attractive miniature with dramatic display qualities, quite different than most others where you might get a few isolated crystals in matrix, but not a rich cluster. In fact, such a rich cluster as this is so rare, we have only ever seen a few.