Minerals — Benitoite

Benitoite is a rare mineral that was discovered in 1907 in San Benito County, California. It is a silicate mineral that typically forms in hydrothermally altered serpentinite or blueschist rock formations.Benitoite is known for its striking blue color, which is due to the presence of rare earth elements, particularly barium. The mineral also has a high refractive index, giving it a unique sparkle and brilliance when cut and polished.In addition to its beauty, benitoite is also valued for its rarity. It is a relatively scarce mineral, with most of the world's production coming from the Benitoite Gem Mine in California....