Benitoite Facts
Benitoite Facts
|
Interesting Benitoite Facts: |
---|
The deposit occurs in a large area of serpentine which extends for many miles. The serpentine presents different phases from hard dark-green and greenish-black material to softer lighter-colored rock. |
The crystal structure of the mineral is very unique and a one-of-a-kind mineral in its class, mostly due to its rare hexagonal crystallization. |
Most of the crystals are first embedded in thick natrolite, and specimens are prepared for collectors by dissolving the natrolite in acid to expose the rare crystal. |
The name benitoite name comes from its locality in San Benito County, California. The area is the only location in the world where the mineral can be found except for a few very sporadic and extremely limited occurrences elsewhere. |
Benitoite is insoluble in ordinary acids, but is attacked by hydrofluoric acid and dissolves in fused sodium carbonate. |
In shortwave ultraviolet light benitoite will appear as strongly fluorescent light blue. Some crystals form a dull red in longwave. |
Benitoite is classified as a metamorphic rock. |
Due to its rarity and lack of availability, per carat, benitoite can be quite expensive, and rarely exceeds two carats in size. |
The largest perfect stone cut so far weighs over 7 carats and is about three times as heavy as the next largest flawless gem so far obtained. |
Overall, its relative hardness for a gemstone is low and often is prone to scratching. |
Though it is a gemstone, it is not used that often in jewelry items. It is most often cut in round or oval cuts, and mostly reserved for collectors. |
The original area where benitoite was found is no longer an active mine, which is adding to its scarcity and value. |
Sometimes benitoite can resemble other gemstones such as sapphire, iolite, and tanzanite, though it is usually easy to identify and does not get confused with the others. |
Beniotite is the official gemstone of California. |
Related Links: Facts Minerals Facts Animals Facts Barium Facts Fluorite Facts |