Benitoite

Benitoite from Benitoite Gem Mine, San Benito County, California. (Photo: Mia Dixon)

Benitoite from Benitoite Gem Mine, San Benito County, California. (Photo: Mia Dixon)

This specimen is an exquisite benitoite on natrolite. The benitoite crystal itself is huge for the species, 3.5 cm in length. It features a striking trigonal crystal, but a little rough around the edges. This large crystal displays a beautiful color pattern radiating from a white core to brilliant blue edges. To top it all off the benitoite is in front of an equally striking white natrolite background, showing the ideal association of minerals from San Benito County.

 

This specimen was featured in the February 2015 issue of our newsletter Pala Mineralis

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