AllMineralsRock
Benitoite
Benitoite is a popular gemstone composed of barium titanium silicate. [1]
Benitoite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Benitoite:- Transparency: Benitoite can be translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, benitoite is hexagonal.
- Luster: In terms of luster, benitoite is vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Benitoite streaks colorless.
- Hardness: Benitoite's hardness ranges from 6 to 6.5 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Benitoite's specific gravity ranges from 3.64 to 3.68.
Benitoite: Background and Summary
Benitoite is a rare mineral that is only found in a few locations around the world. It was first discovered in San Benito County, California in 1907 and was named after the county. Benitoite has a unique blue color that is similar to the color of sapphires. It is also known for its strong fluorescence under UV light, which makes it a popular mineral for collectors.Benitoite is a silicate mineral that is composed of barium, titanium, and silicon. It is typically found in hydrothermally altered serpentinite, which is a type of rock that has been altered by hot water. Benitoite is often associated with other minerals such as natrolite, neptunite, and joaquinite.
To identify benitoite, one must look for its distinctive blue color and fluorescence under UV light. It has a hardness of 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale, which means it is relatively hard but can still be scratched by harder minerals such as quartz. It also has a high specific gravity of 3.6-3.8, which means it is heavier than most other minerals of the same size.
Benitoite is mainly used as a gemstone and is highly valued by collectors due to its rarity and beauty. It is also used in scientific research as a marker mineral for hydrothermal alteration. Benitoite is not commonly used in industry due to its rarity and lack of practical applications.
Benitoite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Benitoite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent |
| Chemical Formula | BaTiSi3O9 |
| Chemical Composition | barium titanium silicate |
| Specific Gravity | 3.64, 3.68 |
| Hardness | 6, 6.5 |
| Streak | colorless |
| Crystallography | hexagonal |
| Refractive Index | 1.757, 1.804 |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: blue, pink, white, purple, colorless |
| Solubility | Insoluble in HCl, H2SO4, soluble in HF |
| Category | cyclosilicate |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.046 |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Benitoite: FAQ
Q: Is benitoite a valuable mineral?A: Yes, benitoite is a valuable mineral due to its rarity and beauty. It is highly valued by collectors and can fetch high prices on the market.
Q: Can benitoite be found in other locations besides California?
A: Yes, small deposits of benitoite have been found in Japan, Arkansas, and Montana. However, the largest and most significant deposit is still located in San Benito County, California.
Q: Is benitoite a common mineral?
A: No, benitoite is a rare mineral that is only found in a few locations around the world. It is considered one of the rarest gemstones on earth.
Sources
- Mindat.org: https://www.mindat.org/min-620.html- Gemological Institute of America: https://www.gia.edu/benitoite-description
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: https://geogallery.si.edu/10002495/benitoite
- Benitoite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benitoite
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