A Rich Violet Blue Benitoite 

Benitoite (beh-NEE-toe-ite)  is a rare gem that was first discovered in 1906 along the headwaters of the San Benito River in San Benito County,  California.  This small region is the only source in the world for gem quality Benitoite.  Because of its rarity and beauty,  Benitotite was adopted as California's state gemstone in 1985.

Benitoites have often been mistaken for fine blue sapphires and spinels due to their rich blue-violet colors.  Benitoites tend to be found in smaller sizes with gems larger than one carat being the exception.  Larger gems with rich color and exceptional quality are greatly prized by collectors.