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Benitoite
Karatz GemMagazine
" Benitoite "
Benitoite is a popular gemstone for its bright blue hue and strong shine.
It is said that the production areas are limited, and as the rarity value increases, the price is also rising.
The mineral information of Benitoite is as follows.
| English name | Benitoite |
| Japanese name | benito stone |
| crystal system | Hexagonal system (trigonal system) |
| chemical composition formula | BaTiSi3O9 |
| mohs hardness | 6.0 - 6.5 |
| specific gravity | 3.64 - 3.68 |
| refractive index | 1.76 - 1.80 |
| luster | glass gloss |
Blue, colorless, pink, orange, etc.
In general, the higher the color, the more vivid the color, the higher the transparency without inclusions, scratches, or chips, the more beautiful the cut, the larger the size, the higher the value.
Since it is difficult to obtain large-sized items, the price tends to increase depending on the size.
The main source of gem-quality benitoite is San Benito County in the United States.
It is said to be named after San Benito County in the United States, where it was first produced.