Benitoite
Rare blue barium titanium cyclosilicate.
Properties
| Chemical formula | — |
|---|---|
| Elements | — |
| Crystal system | Hexagonal |
| Mohs hardness | 6 |
| Density | 3.65 g/cm³ |
| Streak | white |
| Color | — |
| IMA symbol | Bni |
| Nickel–Strunz class | 9.CA.05 |
“—” means no reliable value in Wikidata yet. Check Mindat for full data.
✺ Glows under UV
| Longwave UV (~365 nm) | Usually inert. Rare colourless crystals glow red under longwave |
|---|---|
| Shortwave UV (~254 nm) | Bright blue to bluish white |
California's state gem, from the San Benito River area.
Reactions vary by locality and specimen; many specimens of a fluorescent species do not glow. Shortwave UV can burn skin and damage eyes. Wear UV-blocking glasses, and never look into any UV lamp. Sources: Wikipedia: Benitoite. More UV-reactive stones →
🌍 Where it's found
Type locality (where it was first described): California State gem mine, United States
- Type locality
- Notable source / deposit
- Country of origin
Marker positions are approximate (region or locality level). Type localities from Wikidata; notable sources curated by Crystopedia.
✨ Metaphysical & Folklore
These are traditional and folk beliefs from crystal lore. They are not scientific or medical claims – crystals are not a substitute for professional care.
California's state gem, associated with joy and inner sight.
💞 Pairs well with (traditional pairings)
LabradoriteBoth carry the theme of intuition, so together they're thought to reinforce it.
MoonstoneA natural partner for intuition; Moonstone also adds new beginnings.
ApophyllitePaired in tradition for clarity, with Apophyllite bringing meditation as well.
Blue KyaniteShares the Throat & Third Eye chakra; adds alignment to benitoite's intuition.
Smoky QuartzA grounding root stone to balance benitoite's high, spiritual energy.
Learn more
- Benitoite on Mindat.org
- Wikipedia article
- Wikidata item Q411137 (source of this page's data – you can correct it there)