Editing Internet Texts/Gemstones/Benitoite
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![](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6b/Benitoite_HD.jpg/220px-Benitoite_HD.jpg)
Benitoite crystals on white natrolite
![](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bd/Benitoite%2C_UVL.jpg/220px-Benitoite%2C_UVL.jpg)
Benitoite crystals under UV light
Benitoite
[edit | edit source]The mineral is named after San Benito County, where it was first found and described by George Louderback in 1907.
Because of its color, benitoite was initially thought to be a variety of sapphire. This mistake was discovered after a chemical analysis of benitoite conducted with the use of X-rays.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6b/Benitoite_HD.jpg/220px-Benitoite_HD.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bd/Benitoite%2C_UVL.jpg/220px-Benitoite%2C_UVL.jpg)
Basic properties
[edit | edit source]Composition | BaTiSi3O9 |
Class | Silicates (cyclosilicates) |
Crystal system | Hexagonal |
Mohs' hardness | 6-6,5 |
Fracture | Conchoidal |
Cleavage | Poor |
Lustre | Glassy |
Streak | White |
Localities | USA, Japan, Australia, Belgium |