Benitoite

About Benitoite

The state gem of California, found only in San Benito County. It is one of the rarest gemstones on Earth. It was discovered in 1907 and initially mistaken for sapphire. It fluoresces blue-white under short-wave UV light. The mine is now a state park and collecting is prohibited. It has higher dispersion than diamond, giving it exceptional fire. Gem-quality specimens over 1 carat are extremely rare. The largest faceted benitoite is 7.7 carats. Prices for fine specimens exceed $3,000 per carat. It is barium titanium silicate with a unique crystal structure. The mine produced only a few thousand carats total.