Here are some stunning Benitoite and Neptunite crystals on matrix from the Dallas Gem Mine, Santa Rita Peak, California. The benitoite crystals are quite gemmy.
The largest Benitoite crystal is 9.68 mm in length.
The matrix measures 2.5x1.3 inches.
Bentonite was discovered in 1907 in the diablo mountains by Prospector James Couch, he discovered a vein with some intriguing blue crystals, he thought they must be sapphires. He sent them to Dr. George Louderback, a professor of mineralogy at the University of California, Berkeley, and he identified them as new mineral and named them Bentonite after San Benito County where they are found. The claim was originally called the Dallas Gem Mine and was operated by owner R.W. Dallas, for five years the mine produced many excellent gemstones from an open cut and a short tunnel. The deposit is comprised of natrolite veins cutting a glaucophane schist inclusion in a serpentinite body. The deposit has been worked on and off over the years, all of the original vein has been mined out and any recent production has been from the alluvial material below. Benitoite is typically a gorgeous royal blue color and has more dispersion than a diamond. There is only one deposit in the entire world the produces this beautiful stone and someday it will be completely mined out. Here is your chance to own a classic American gemstone.
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