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Lot 9
Rare Suite of Benitoites--"California's State Gem"
2 May 2023, 12:00 PDT
Los AngelesSold for US$15,300 inc. premium
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Rare Suite of Benitoites--"California's State Gem"
San Benito County, California
Around the turn of the century, a prospector discovered a blue material that he believed to be sapphire. Examination by experts determined the new gem material to be an unknown mineral. In addition, it turned out that the new material represented a previously unknown example of crystal form. It was given the name of benitoite, since it was found near the headwaters of the San Benito River in the county of the same name. Benitoite is prized for its adamantine or diamond-like luster and high dispersion. Its refractive index and dispersion are high enough to resemble colorless-to blue diamonds. The fact that their specific gravity and hardness differs from that of diamonds and that all benitoites fluoresce blue, allows differentiation. Benitoite was declared the official state gemstone of California in 1985. Although its public recognition and consequent desirability have increased dramatically over the past few years. Its only source is a small mine in San Benito County in northern California. Comprising 13 circular-cut stones having rich blue color and adamantine luster. The central stone weighing approximately 1.01 carats. Weight are as follows: 0.15 cts, 0.15 cts, 0.17 cts, 0.19 cts 0.25 cts, 0.32 cts, 0.38 cts, 0.45 cts, 0.46 cts, 0.46 cts, 0.80 cts, 0.85 cts, and 1.01 cts. Total weight approximately 5.67 carats. (13)
Around the turn of the century, a prospector discovered a blue material that he believed to be sapphire. Examination by experts determined the new gem material to be an unknown mineral. In addition, it turned out that the new material represented a previously unknown example of crystal form. It was given the name of benitoite, since it was found near the headwaters of the San Benito River in the county of the same name. Benitoite is prized for its adamantine or diamond-like luster and high dispersion. Its refractive index and dispersion are high enough to resemble colorless-to blue diamonds. The fact that their specific gravity and hardness differs from that of diamonds and that all benitoites fluoresce blue, allows differentiation. Benitoite was declared the official state gemstone of California in 1985. Although its public recognition and consequent desirability have increased dramatically over the past few years. Its only source is a small mine in San Benito County in northern California. Comprising 13 circular-cut stones having rich blue color and adamantine luster. The central stone weighing approximately 1.01 carats. Weight are as follows: 0.15 cts, 0.15 cts, 0.17 cts, 0.19 cts 0.25 cts, 0.32 cts, 0.38 cts, 0.45 cts, 0.46 cts, 0.46 cts, 0.80 cts, 0.85 cts, and 1.01 cts. Total weight approximately 5.67 carats. (13)
Footnotes
https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/21819/lot/1165/