Difference between revisions of "Benitoite"

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Beniotite is a very rare mineral that was discovered in 1907 in San Benito County in California. It has never been found elsewhere. It was originally mistaken for [[sapphire]]. Benitoite is very highly dispersive (the ability to take white light and disperse it into various components of the spectrum). Benitoite is associated with other rare minerals such as black-red neptunite, snow white natrolite and brown-yellow joaquinite. Since the only source of this rare combination occurs at San Benito County, California, it has been designated the California state gemstone. Crystals, and cut stones, tend to be small and quite expensive!
 
Beniotite is a very rare mineral that was discovered in 1907 in San Benito County in California. It has never been found elsewhere. It was originally mistaken for [[sapphire]]. Benitoite is very highly dispersive (the ability to take white light and disperse it into various components of the spectrum). Benitoite is associated with other rare minerals such as black-red neptunite, snow white natrolite and brown-yellow joaquinite. Since the only source of this rare combination occurs at San Benito County, California, it has been designated the California state gemstone. Crystals, and cut stones, tend to be small and quite expensive!
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[[Image:Benitoite1.jpg]]

Revision as of 08:05, 18 March 2012

File:Example.jpg

Benitoite
Chemical composition BaTiSi3O9
Crystal system Trigonal
Habit Bipyramids
Cleavage None
Fracture Conchoidal
Hardness 6.5
Optic nature Uniaxial +
Refractive index 1.75-1.80
Birefringence 0.047
Dispersion High, 0.046
Specific gravity 3.65
Lustre Bright vitreous
Pleochroism Strong

Beniotite is a very rare mineral that was discovered in 1907 in San Benito County in California. It has never been found elsewhere. It was originally mistaken for sapphire. Benitoite is very highly dispersive (the ability to take white light and disperse it into various components of the spectrum). Benitoite is associated with other rare minerals such as black-red neptunite, snow white natrolite and brown-yellow joaquinite. Since the only source of this rare combination occurs at San Benito County, California, it has been designated the California state gemstone. Crystals, and cut stones, tend to be small and quite expensive!

Benitoite1.jpg