GEMS & MINERALS

Benitoite

Benitoite is the State Gemstone for California. TOPS A Rock Shop was the driving force in getting this beautiful stone declared the state gemstone.

To date, Benitoite clear enough to facet is found only in the southwestern part of San Benito County. It has never been found anywhere else in the world. The mine is privately owned and open for collecting only at certain times when the BLM land surrounding the mine is open to the public.

Benitoite is a barium titanium silicate mineral. Benitoite ranges between 6 and 6.5 on the MOHs scale. It fluoresces under short wave light.

In San Benito County Benitoite is found with in naturalite often with sepertine, albinite, , neptunite and joaquinite.

Because Benitoite factures easily, we recommend that when placed in jewelry, it be well protected. It is not suitable for rings which are worn frequently or bracelets as they take a lot of abuse. Always consider using a bezel when setting Benitoite in jewelry as a bezel will help to protect the stone.