Lot # 1 - Rare California Benitoite: Vivid Electric‑Blue Collector Gem

Opening Bid : $ 5.00
Pickup Instructions: jan 25 10am
Start Date/Time: 02-Mar-2026 7:00:00 AM
End Date/Time: 09-Mar-2026 7:00:00 PM
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Description :

Benitoite is one of those minerals that feels almost mythical once you learn its backstory — and the gem in this photo absolutely fits the classic look: a vivid, electric blue with sharp, glassy brilliance.

What Benitoite Is

Benitoite is a barium titanium silicate mineral, famous for its intense blue color and its rarity. It’s the state gemstone of California, and for good reason — it’s found in gem quality almost exclusively in one locality on Earth.

Color & Appearance

  • Typically sapphire‑blue, but can range from colorless to violet

  • Strong dispersion (fire), giving it a sparkle similar to diamond

  • Usually faceted into small stones because large crystals are extremely rare

  • Often shows triangular crystal forms, which is unusual and distinctive

Your stone’s deep, saturated blue and bright internal reflections are very characteristic of high‑quality benitoite.

Where It Comes From

The only significant gem‑quality source is:

  • San Benito County, California — specifically the historic Dallas Gem Mine

Small, non‑gem occurrences exist elsewhere in the world, but nothing comparable.

Why It’s So Rare

Benitoite forms under very unusual geological conditions involving:

  • High‑pressure, low‑temperature metamorphism

  • Rare elements (barium + titanium)

  • A narrow stability range This combination makes natural formation extremely uncommon.



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