Benitoite is a rare blue crystal that was only discovered in 1906 by a mineral prospector who mistook the specimen for sapphire. A benitoite crystal is shaped like flattened triangles and has a strong dispersion like a diamond. However, it is masked by the color. Dichroism is strong and the stone appears blue or colorless when viewed from different angles. Colorless crystals exist but are rarely faceted and only cut for collectors.
Occurrence
Benitoite crystal exists in veins in blue schists. The only source is in San Benito County, California (USA). It is the place after which the stone is named.
Benitoite Properties
- Specific Gravity: 3.67
- Refractive Index: 1.76-1.80
- Birefringence (DR): 0.047
- Luster: Vitreous
- Crystal Structure: Hexagonal
- Composition: Barium titanium silicate
- Hardness: 6½
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