Benitoite on Natrolite

Item Description

Benitoite is a rare barium titanium silicate in which the only high-quality specimens ever mined were found here at the TYPE LOCALITY, and most of these were pre-1980s. Encased in a white Natrolite matrix, this set of three crystals is a fine example of this ultra-rare species. The largest of the three is 1.9 cm on edge, and it is only partially exposed so you can see it is a fairly massive crystal there. It is framed by two smaller crystals, each displaying the famous triangular habit for dramatic effect! For these, we can thank a freak flip of the bottom of a crustal plate that ended up here in the San Benito Mountains. The sapphire-blue color, classic form, and typical blue-white fluorescence make this a worthy miniature. Aesthetic and rare at the same time.