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Benitoite (pronounced beh-nee-tow-ite) can occur in rich blue crystals that are as striking and flaw- less as the finest sapphires. Gem quality benitoite is found only in a small area of San Benito County, California.
Benitoite is one of the world's rarest gemstones. It's only commercial source is located on a small mining claim in San Benito County, California, on the west side of the Diablo Range about 25 miles north of Coalinga. The gemstone possesses many unique qualities. It has a high index of refraction and a dispersive power higher than that of diamond, making the stone extraordinarily bright and fiery when cut properly. Its color is usually a medium blue/violet, but can range from colorless to dark blue. A more detailed look at benitoite's physical and optical characteristics can be seen in the MINERALS and GEMSTONES section of this webpage. Benitoite is the State Gemstone of California. The mine is owned by Benitoite Mining, Inc., a company affiliated with Collector's Edge Minerals, Inc.
Benitoite is one of the world's rarest gemstones. It's only commercial source is located on a small mining claim in San Benito County, California, on the west side of the Diablo Range about 25 miles north of Coalinga. The gemstone possesses many unique qualities. It has a high index of refraction and a dispersive power higher than that of diamond, making the stone extraordinarily bright and fiery when cut properly. Its color is usually a medium blue/violet, but can range from colorless to dark blue. A more detailed look at benitoite's physical and optical characteristics can be seen in the MINERALS and GEMSTONES section of this webpage. Benitoite is the State Gemstone of California. The mine is owned by Benitoite Mining, Inc., a company affiliated with Collector's Edge Minerals, Inc.
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