Minerals

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....

Sunstone is a type of feldspar mineral that is known for its unique optical properties. It is typically found in igneous rocks, such as basalt and granite, and is often associated with other minerals like quartz and mica.One of the most distinctive features of sunstone is its shimmering or glittering appearance, which is caused by tiny platelets of hematite or goethite within the crystal structure. This phenomenon is known as "aventurescence" and is similar to the effect seen in goldstone or aventurine glass.Sunstone can come in a range of colors, including yellow, orange, red, and green, depending on the amount...

Charoite is a rare mineral that was first discovered in the Murun Mountains of Yakutia, Russia in 1948. It is known for its distinct purple color and swirling patterns, which are caused by complex intergrowths of several minerals.The primary component of charoite is a mineral called potassium feldspar. However, it also contains other minerals such as aegirine, richterite, and tinaksite, which contribute to its unique appearance. The swirling patterns found in charoite are formed by layers of these different minerals, which have been subjected to intense pressure and heat over millions of years.Charoite is classified as a silicate mineral due...

Selenite is a mineral that belongs to the gypsum family, and it is one of the most common types of gypsum found in nature. It has a chemical formula of CaSO4·2H2O, which means that it is composed of calcium sulfate and water molecules.Selenite is typically found in sedimentary rocks, such as limestone and shale, where it forms as a result of evaporating seawater. It can also be formed in caves as a result of the weathering of rock formations.One of the most distinctive features of selenite is its transparency and translucency, which allows light to pass through it. This property...