Benitoite
Image: Didier Descouens (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameBenitoite
Chemical FormulaBaTiSi₃O₉
Mohs Hardness6
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagedistinct on {1011}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.65
Colorsdeep blue, violet-blue
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityDallas Gem Mine, San Benito County, California, USA
Mineral Groupcyclosilicates
Usesjewelry, collector
Associated Mineralsneptunite, natrolite, joaquinite, serpentine
Rarityvery-rare
Description
The image displays several deep blue, transparent, trigonal benitoite crystals embedded in a light gray to white matrix, with some areas showing a bubbly or botryoidal texture.
Geological Context
Benitoite forms in hydrothermally altered serpentinite within a unique low-temperature, high-pressure environment, typically found in natrolite veins.
