Benitoite

Non-gem crystals of benitoite can have a very rare, six-pointed twinned form.

It was discovered in 1907 by prospector James M. Couch in the San Benito Mountains roughly halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Couch originally believed the mineral was a corundum mineral known as sapphire due to its resemblance of color. In 1909, a sample was sent to the University of California, Berkeley where mineralogist Dr. George D. Louderback realized it was a previously unknown mineral. Corundum (sapphire) has a defined Mohs hardness of 9, while benitoite is much softer. He named it benitoite for its occurrence near the headwaters of the San Benito River in San Benito County, California.

Benitoite is sometimes used in jewelry, though it is soft and can be damaged more easily than other gems. This makes it best suited to earrings or pendants. It is used as a barium or titanium ore in some locations, but that use is limited by its rarity.

Although the history of benitoite is sparse because of its rarity, there is some suggestion in traditional folklore that this stone harnessed the power of water. Soldiers and sailors supposedly held this gemstone close, as they believed it would allow them safe travel and protect them when they were long distances from home.

Benitoite occurs in a number of isolated locations globally, but gemstone quality material has only been found in California at the Benito Gem Mine where it was first discovered. It has been correctly identified in Montana, Arkansas, Japan, and Australia although they formed under slightly different conditions and only grow large enough to be considered an accessory mineral.

Benitoite encourages a person to discover their own bliss and happiness. Its positive energy forces expand consciousness. Those wishing to explore their psychic abilities may use it on their Third Eye chakra. The stone is said to help a person see the deeper meaning of events in their lives. It can also help in opening communication to improve relationships for a person in both their professional and personal life.