The facts
What benitoite actually is
Mineralogically, benitoite is benitoite — BaTiSi₃O₉, crystallising in the hexagonal system.
The colour is caused by titanium. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.757–1.804, and the specific gravity sits near 3.64–3.68; cleavage is poor.
Where benitoite comes from
The recognised sources are San Benito County, California, USA — the only gem locality on earth.
One source only — which is unusual, and which means an origin claim naming anywhere else is either a mistake or a different material.
Is benitoite treated?
None.
That makes disclosure simple: there is nothing to declare. It also means a seller offering a "treated" version of this material is offering something else.
What benitoite is confused with
The usual confusions are Sapphire, Tanzanite and Iolite.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.757–1.804 and specific gravity 3.64–3.68 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What benitoite is used for
Benitoite is bought by mineral collecting and jewellery — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen or by the carat.
Durability and care
Hardness 6–6.5; cleavage poor. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What benitoite costs
Indicative pricing for benitoite is $1,000–15,000/ct.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is benitoite treated?
None.
Where does benitoite come from?
San Benito County, California, USA — the only gem locality on earth. That is the only commercial source.
Is benitoite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does benitoite cost?
Indicatively $1,000–15,000/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is benitoite confused with?
Most often Sapphire, Tanzanite and Iolite. A refractive index of 1.757–1.804 and a specific gravity near 3.64–3.68 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for benitoite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about benitoite