Only found in California, Benitoite holds the prestige of
California's
State Gem and a
secret unveiling in 1907. The gem, first discovered near the headwaters of the
San Benito River, gained notoriety through UC Berkeley's Dr. George D.
Louderback's clear description.
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About Benitoite:
System: Hexagonal
Appearance:
Stubby,
prismatic, dipyramidal crystals, various shades of blue, often zoned
Physical Properties:
Hard
(6.2 - 6.5),
heavy. Translucent to transparent with vitreous to subadamantine luster
Environment: Found in veins in the brecciated zone of blue
schist body associated with serpentinite
Occurrence:To date crystals have only been found at Diablo
Range in San Benito County, California
Uses: Sapphire-blue specimens cut as gemstones are popular
[From Simon & Schuster's Guide to Rocks and Minerals]
Last updated : December 13, 1995
Acknowledgements