Skip to main content

This auction has ended. View lot details

You may also be interested in

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

Lot 8170

Benitoite and Neptunite on Natrolite

4 December 2005, 11:00 PST
Los Angeles

US$6,500 - US$8,500

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

How to sell

Looking for a similar item?

Our Natural History specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.

Find your local specialist

Benitoite and Neptunite on Natrolite

Benitoite Gem Mine,
San Benito Co., California

The benitoite mine in San Benito County has produced this gemstone sporadically since the early 1900s. It was eventually named the state gem of California. Mining operations for gem rough there have removed nearly the entire deposit, with little prospects of specimen-quality benitoite coming out of the ground in the future. This present, rare specimen of benitoite is an older one, probably mined prior to 1980. It exhibits close to a dozen or so large blue crystals, many of which have a well-defined triangular form. Its aethetics are elevated by the several large dark lustrous neptunite crystals which appear against a matrix of virgin white natrolite. Offered on a custom-fitted acrylic base. Measuring 5 x 3 x 2in.

Additional information

Bid now on these items