Neptunite with Joaquinite-(Ce) and Benitoite - California State Gem Mine, California, USA

Neptunite with Joaquinite-(Ce) and Benitoite

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The combination of Neptunite and Benitoite is a classic from the California State Gem mine on Santa Rita Peak, in San Benito County, California. As a bonus, this superb specimen also has well developed crystals of the rare cyclosilicate mineral Joaquinite-(Ce). Also known as the Dallas Gem mine or Benitoite mine, this is the type locality for both Benitoite and Joaquinite-(Ce). In this showy small cabinet specimen, the Neptunite forms highly lustrous black prismatic acicular crystals to over 2 cm long embedded in fine-grained snowy-white Natrolite which covers a light grey ultramafic matrix. The Benitoite crystals form very deep blue plates to about 5 mm and the Joaquinite-(Ce) occurs as blocky, burnt-orange crystals of about 1 cubic-mm. A beautiful specimen of Neptunite with Joaquinite-(Ce) and Benitoite.