Benitoite

Benitoite is a rare gemstone, and for all practical purposes only comes from a single limited deposit in California. It is a relatively new gemstone, and was first discovered in 1907. Benitoite gemstones have a sapphire-blue color, and can have very good transparency and luster. Due to its rarity and lack of availability, Benitoite can be extremely expensive per carat.

Chemical Formula	BaTiSi3O9
Color	Blue
Hardness	6Â -Â 6.5
Crystal System	Hexagonal
Refractive Index	1.75Â -Â 1.80
SG	3.6
Transparency	Transparent
Double Refraction	0.047
Luster	Vitreous
Cleavage	3,1
Mineral Class	Benitoite