Neptunite with Natrolite
Benitoite Gem Mine
San Benito County, California
5.3 cm x 4.6 cm x 3.1 cm
Here is a great specimen of Neptunite crystals on Natrolite.
This specimen comes from The Benitoite Gem Mine,
which was originally called the Dallas Mine and now called the California State Gem Mine, in San Benito County, California.
Although it is said that Neptunite has been found in a few other places around the world,
the Benitoite Gem Mine is the ONLY place that Neptunite crystals form like these.
The neptunite crystals look black, but in fact they are actually the darkest red color that exists, many refer to as "black cherry".
If you catch the light just right, you will see some slight red flash coming from within the crystals.
This is a large cluster of neptunite crystals, some with full terminations.
This specimen has great luster on the neptunite crystal faces, as well as sharp terminated faces.
The deep black crystals really stand out against the snowy white Natrolite, atop of a greenish blue schist.
This is a very nice, showy, 3D looking specimen.
