Glittering Stones » Semi Precious Stones » Benitoite

Semi Precious Stone Benitoite

Benitoite, a rare blue silicate mineral found in hydrothermally altered serpentinite. Benitoite fluoresces under short wave ultraviolet light, appears to be light blue in color. Dr. Louderback, who conducted the discovery examination of the mineral, named Benitoite, “as it occurs near the head waters of the San Benito River in San Benito County,” California.

Benitoite's hardness makes it suitable for use as a gemstone, though the general lack of usable material has limited this use.

Crystal formation:
It belongs to ditrigonal – dipyramidal class of hexagonal crystal system. The gem is referred as "Star of David", since it possess a six sided star like structure. The color of the crystal is the result of natural charge transfer of the atoms; it is not subjected to any artificial heat or irradiation process, in order to enhance its color. The hardness of the crystal varies from 6-6.5, so the stone is prone to scratching. The rarity and lack of availability, makes the stone extremely expensive.

Crystal care:
The Semi Precious Stone must be cleaned with warm soapy water, soft cloth or brush. Never subject the crystal to ultrasonic and steam cleansers as it harm the luster of the stone.

It is a rare mineral found in very few places, most prominently in southern San Benito County, California, Japan and Arkansas. In San Benito, it is found in natrolite veins within glaucophane schist and serpentinite body. In Japan, its occurrence is found in magnesio-riebeckite-quartz-phlogopite-albite dike. The mineral benitoite is typically found with some combination of natrolite, joaquinite, and neptunite on a greenish-grey serpentinite base. Benitoite’s fluorescence is used for identification purposes

Historical Facts of Benitoite

Refractive Index: 1.757 - 1.759, 1.802 - 1.804

Chemical Composition: BaTiSi3O9

Hardness: 6 - 6.5

Density: 3.6

Crystal Group: Hexagonal

Luster: Vitreous

Color: Blue, White, Colorless

Occurrence: San Benito County, California

Gem Stone Benitoite Jewelry