Large Benitoite Crystals with Natrolite on Matrix
Benitoite Gem Mine
San Benito County, California
6.0 cm x 5.1 cm x 2.3 cm
Here is a great specimen of large Benitoite crystals on matrix.
This specimen hosts over a dozen crystals, that are bi-colored and very larger for the species.
There is also a single gemmy but micro crystal of orange Joaquinite crystal
just to the bottom right of the large crystal.
The man focal point is the large crystal at the center that measures 2.0 cm.
This large crystal formed against another benitoite crystal, which interrupted it's growth at the top tip, but gives it a very interesting look.
The specimen is highly fluorescent, both in shortwave,
which gives it the bright bluish white color, and longwave.
In longwave, the white areas of the crystals fluoresce a bright reddish color.
All the benitoite have natural fracturing which happens to most crystals during their formation.
There is some contact on some of the crystals, some of which that looks contacted is in fact just interruption of growth during formation.
The bottom has been cut flat which makes this specimen sit just as seen in the photos.
A very special large crystal specimen.
