Interesting Facts About Benitoite Gemstones
Did you know that benitoite is so exceptionally rare that gem-quality crystals are found exclusively in a single location in San Benito County, California01?
The name “Benitoite” is based on its place of discovery, Benito.
It was considered the official state gem of California. It embodies a unique crystal structure, ditrigonal dipyramidal, that is rare among gemstones.
Only Benitoite possess this specific geometric shape02.
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Origin, Description, and Where Can It Be Found?
The discovery of Benitoite was by prospector James Couch in 190703.
It was found in the remote Diablo Range of San Benito County, California.
Initially, it was mistaken for sapphire because of its blue color.
However, it was later identified as a new barium-titanium silicate mineral.
Benitoite is celebrated for its intense dispersion.
It actually exceeds that of a diamond04.
The gemstone typically appears in a “cornflower” blue.
In other instances, the stone can also exude colorless or rare pink colors05.
Its notable characteristic is its glow with a brilliant, neon blue fluorescence under short-wave UV light.
Gem-quality Benitoite crystals are only produced in the Benitoite Gem Mine in California06.
Although there are trace amounts visible in Japan and Arkansas07.
The mine in California, however, is no longer active in commercial operation.
Production of new material is exceptionally rare.
This heightens its value especially among collectors.
How It Is Processed or How It Is Made
Benitoites are natural gemstones. Gem-quality stones cannot be replicated by laboratories unlike synthetic stones.
The processes involving Benitoite undergo multi-step processes.
The initial step starts with the extraction from its host rock, natrolite.
Afterward, an acid bath (usually hydrochloric acid) is used by miners in order to etch the white natrolite.
This, therefore, reveals the blue crystals beneath without further damaging it08.
Afterward, the extracted Benitoite stone undergoes precision faceting done by cutters.
This is to orient the stone perfectly in order to maximize its “fire” whilst minimizing weight loss.
It rarely undergoes heat treatment since its natural color is already vividly beautiful09.
Why It Is Expensive and How Rare It Is
Benitoite’s value is expensive due to its extreme supply-demand imbalance.
Gem-quality benitoite is found in California.
The price of the gemstone even increased due to the finite supply brought by how commercial mining effectively stopped in 200510.
In terms of rarity, it is considered staggering.
This is because 90% of all faceted stones weigh less than one carat.
A discovery of a “clean” blue Benitoite gem over two carats is extremely rare compared to a diamond11.
Examples of Jewelry Made From This Gemstone
Most Benitoite jewelry pieces are considered as a bespoke collector’s item.
Some notable pieces are found in:
- Cluster rings – Benitoite stones over one carat are scarce. These gemstones, therefore, are grouped among other smaller gems12
- Halo Pendants – These are surrounded by diamonds in order to emphasize its sapphire-blue color13
Benitoite’s Market Value (Price per Carat)
Benitoite is considered as one of the world’s most expensive gems.
For small or lighter stones, the price ranges from $1,500 per carat14.
As for fine medium-dark blue stones, the price ranges from $4,000 to $5,000 per carat14.
As for benitoite stones exceeding two carats, prices fluctuate and rise up to $8,000 to $10,000 per carat due to its extreme rarity14.
