Benitoite: A Blazing Beauty
 Beware, sapphire gemstones, benitoite is out there. Touting a color that stands up to the more widely known sapphire gemstone, benitoite will dazzle anyone with its fire, as well. Benitoite is not one of the more commonly known gemstones, but it has characteristics of legendary gemstones (sapphires and diamonds).
In 1907, James Couch discovered spectacular blue stones near the San Benito River, located in San Benito County, California. At first, he thought these stones were either sapphires or blue diamonds. Samples were taken to Dr. George Louderback (of University of California, Berkeley), who declared that the stones were neither sapphires nor blue diamonds. Dr. Louderback named the stones benitoite in honor of the location where they had been found.
Benitoite, also known as benitoide, has been found in few other places. In the United States, Arkansas and Fresno County, California, have produced benitoite. Outside of the United States, Australia and Japan have produced some, as well.
Some benitoite is white, colorless, and pink (pink is very rare) in color. However, blue benitoite is much more popular, especially if a violet color can be detected with the blue. Some of the blue benitoite rivals the splendid color of blue sapphires. If that’s not enough to make a person fall in love with benitoite, perhaps its fire will. The breathtaking beauty of benitoite is enhanced with the superior fire it displays. The fire of benitoite is similar to that of a diamond. Benitoite is also a natural stone, requiring no enhancements to achieve a desired color.
Gem quality benitoite is rare. Only the benitoite that has been found in California is of gem quality. There are limited quantities available for gemstone use, and, as usually happens with limited supply and large demand, the value of benitoite is rising. Benitoite was named the official California state gem on October 1, 1985.
Benitoite stones over 1 carat are rare. Imagine having one that weighs 15.42 carats. A benitoite stone of this caliber does exist, and at 15.42 carats, it is the largest of any known faceted benitoite gemstone.
Benitoite is a relatively soft stone, rating 6-6 ½ on the Mohs scale. Therefore, when it is used in jewelry, earrings and pendants are popular choices. When used in rings, the benitoite stone should be inset. When cleaning benitoite, it is important to rinse away any dust that might have accumulated on the stone before wiping it off. This will ensure that the dust particles will not scratch or reduce the stone’s beauty.
If you have the desire to dig for your own benitoite, it is best to do so at night using a black light. The fluorescence of the benitoite stone will emit a pale blue color. In a state (California) where wildfires sometimes rage, the rage is the stunning fire of the benitoite gemstone.
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