Benitoite
Image: Shannon Heinle (CC0)
Mineral NameBenitoite
Chemical FormulaBaTiSi3O9
Mohs Hardness6.5
Crystal Systemhexagonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagedistinct on {10-11}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.65
Colorsblue, colorless, pink
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalitySan Benito County, California, USA
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, collector
Associated Mineralsnatrolite, neptunite, joaquinite
Raritycommon
Description
This sample features vibrant blue benitoite crystals embedded in a white matrix of natrolite, showcasing its characteristic hexagonal (ditrigonal-dipyramidal) crystal form.
Geological Context
Benitoite is an extremely rare mineral that forms in hydrothermally altered serpentinite, typically found in natrolite veins, often in association with neptunite and joaquinite.
