Benitoite

A fine crystal of the rare barium-titanium silicate Benitoite with one edge 1.8 cm wide, embedded in blue tinged Natrolite from the Dallas Gem mine in the New Idria District of San Benito County, California. This locality also goes under the name of the California State Gem Mine and is situated on Santa Rita Peak. This primary crystal is mainly opaque inky blue yet one corner is translucent lilac. A much smaller Benitoite crystal, measuring about 2.5 mm, sits adjacent to the large crystal on a patch of white Natrolite. Such specimens have been etched out from the enveloping Natrolite using hydrochloric acid. This is a lovely small miniature of the species.