Lot # 1 - Rare California Benitoite: Vivid Electric‑Blue Collector Gem-.52 Count

Opening Bid : $ 5.00
Start Date/Time: 02-Mar-2026 7:00:00 AM
End Date/Time: 09-Mar-2026 7:06:00 PM
Current bid:

$315.00

Highest bidder:

Caveatauctor

Auction has ended

Description :

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


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.

Disclaimer-

All gemstone and mineral descriptions are provided to the best of our ability based on visual assessment and available information. None of the stones in this auction have been GIA‑certified or professionally graded. The winning bidder is welcome to have any stone independently certified, graded, or appraised at their own expense. All items are sold as‑is.




Auction History

Highest bidder is Caveatauctor

Date Bid User
09-Mar-2026 7:03:51 PM $315.00 Caveatauctor
09-Mar-2026 7:01:03 PM $305.00 Wisewillow
09-Mar-2026 7:00:31 PM $280.00 NothingButNet
09-Mar-2026 7:00:19 PM $275.00 Wisewillow
09-Mar-2026 7:00:19 PM $275.00 NothingButNet
09-Mar-2026 6:59:57 PM $255.00 Wisewillow
09-Mar-2026 6:59:04 PM $250.00 NothingButNet
09-Mar-2026 6:59:04 PM $250.00 Wisewillow
09-Mar-2026 6:58:06 PM $230.00 NothingButNet
09-Mar-2026 6:58:06 PM $225.00 Wisewillow
09-Mar-2026 6:57:50 PM $205.00 NothingButNet
09-Mar-2026 11:52:06 AM $101.00 Wisewillow
09-Mar-2026 11:51:52 AM $100.00 mickellr
09-Mar-2026 11:51:52 AM $100.00 Wisewillow
09-Mar-2026 11:51:44 AM $76.00 mickellr
09-Mar-2026 11:51:44 AM $75.00 Wisewillow
09-Mar-2026 11:44:25 AM $66.00 mickellr
09-Mar-2026 11:44:01 AM $56.00 MotherofFreyja
09-Mar-2026 11:44:01 AM $55.00 mickellr
09-Mar-2026 11:43:51 AM $53.00 MotherofFreyja
09-Mar-2026 11:43:51 AM $52.00 mickellr
09-Mar-2026 9:59:50 AM $51.00 MotherofFreyja
09-Mar-2026 9:59:29 AM $50.00 ATrueGem
09-Mar-2026 9:59:29 AM $50.00 MotherofFreyja
06-Mar-2026 8:31:37 PM $33.00 ATrueGem
06-Mar-2026 3:24:33 AM $31.00 Caveatauctor
03-Mar-2026 11:42:06 AM $26.00 Cago
03-Mar-2026 11:42:06 AM $25.00 Mykover
03-Mar-2026 8:32:09 AM $23.00 Cago
03-Mar-2026 8:17:25 AM $16.00 BamBai
03-Mar-2026 8:17:25 AM $15.00 Cago
02-Mar-2026 12:19:12 PM $5.00 BamBai

PAYMENT DETAILS

Placing a bid is an agreement to purchase. If you win, you must pick up your item(s). If you default on your purchase, your bidding privileges will be revoked permanently. Do not bid if you do not plan to purchase.If you bid, you MUST be available/arrange for pick-up of purchases on the pick-up date unless you have made prior shipping arrangements. Bring necessary tools and help for picking up large items. Loading assistance is NOT available. Some items may be located on a 2nd floor, out building.

Invoices are emailed to winning bidders once the sale has completely closed.Full payment must be made by 8:00 p.m. the day after auction closes. If total payment is not received before the pick-up date & time, items will be forfeited, and bidding privileges revoked.

Pick-up information will be on the invoice e-mailed after the auction closes.All items not picked up during the designated times will be considered abandoned and may be donated or resold. When possible, and at our sole discretion, an alternate pick-up time may be arranged. If this is possible, an appropriate fee will be charged. 

A 10% Buyer's Premium and Sales Tax are added to the winning bid amount when invoiced. Sales tax is waived for licensed re-sellers.

We make every effort to describe lot items as accurately as possible. Expect normal signs of wear associated with antiques, vintage, and used items. We do not list every flaw. All items are sold AS IS WHERE IS. No refunds or returns. Sound Estate Company does not guarantee the working order of any clock, watch, electronic or mechanical device. Dimensions given may be approximate.

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