Benitoite on Natrolite

Benitoite on Natrolite

California State Gem Mine, Santa Rita Peak, San Benito County, California, USA

3.5 cm tall x 7 cm wide

Benitoite is a very rare species, discovered in 1906 in the San Benito Mountains, California. Due to its similar color, they were initially believed to be sapphires. In 1907, a sample was sent to the University of California, Berkeley, where mineralogist Dr. George D. Louderback realized this was a previously unknown mineral. He named it benitoite after the place it was initially discovered. Benitoite is the only species on earth that fits into a class of crystals known as ditrigonal-dipyramidal. In 1985 benitoite was named the official state gem of California.

This exceptionally sharp deep blue crystal contrasts against the snow white natrolite matrix. The benitoite crystal sits upright displaying its unique triangular form. It represents a truly exceptional example of an important and rare species.

Ex-Irv Brown Collection