Characteristics of Benitoite:

Chemical Name: Barium titanium silicate

Formula: BaTiSi3O9

Colors: Blue, colorless, pink

Structure: Hexagonal

Hardness: 6.5

Specific Gravity: 3.7

Refractive Index: 1.76-1.80

Lustre: Vitreous

Streak: White

Locations: USA, Belgium, Japan

What is Benitoite? 

Benitoite was discovered in 1906 near the San Benito River in California, from which it takes its name. It is reputed to have been found by a prospector looking for mercury and copper deposits, who came across some brilliant blue crystals he mistook for sapphires. Its best blue color is seen through the side of its crystals, a fact that imposes a size limitation on cut stones, which seldom exceed three carats. Benitoite has exceptionally strong dispersion: its “fire” is similar to that of a diamond, though it is often masked by the intensity of the stone’s color.