These 10 Insanely Rare Gems Are the Real Treasure Hunters' Dream

9. Benitoite

Originally found in San Benito County, California, the uncommon and intriguing blue gemstone known as benitoite is Collectors and gem aficionados love this unusual gemstone mostly for its strong colour and brilliant blue fluorescence under UV light. Benitoite is rare and quite beautiful, which has earned it a particular place among jewels. Benitoite initially came to be known in 1907 when prospector James M. Couch discovered it. Couch first thought he had discovered sapphire, but mineralogist George D. Louderback's additional research turned out that the jewel was a newly discovered mineral species. San Benito County, the site of discovery, later inspired the name Benitoite. The diamond attracted notice right away with its brilliant blue hue and unusual optical qualities; it was named California's official state gem in 1985. Benitoite has a hexagonal crystal arrangement and falls from a gemological point of view within the barium titanium silicate mineral group. On the Mohs scale of hardness, it falls between 6 and 6.5, hence it is appropriate for some kinds of jewellery; still, care should be used to prevent damage and scratches. The most arresting aspect of the gemstone is its brilliant blue fluorescence under UV light, which accentuates its appeal and facilitates identification. Its strong blue hue comes from the trace elements iron and titanium included into its crystal structure. Benitoite comes mostly from the Benitoite Gem Mine in San Benito County, California. This site is still the sole major supply of gem-quality Benitoite, which helps to explain its scarcity. The difficult mining operation results in restricted high-quality Benitoite yield, therefore accentuating their scarcity and desirability. Every Benitoite gemstone is unique; no two stones show the same colour or fluorescence pattern, hence every piece of jewellery is a one-of- a-kind treasure. Apart from its appearance, Benitoite is prized for its special optical qualities. Double refraction is the phenomena whereby light entering the gemstone is split into two distinct rays, producing a characteristic optical effect. Benitoite is a very sought-after gemstone among collectors and gem aficioners because of this quality as well as its intense blue fluorescence. Benitoite's appeal goes beyond only its physical qualities. Gemological history includes the gemstone since its discovery and consequent identification as a new mineral species. Benitoite is highly prized by collectors not just for its beauty and scarcity but also for its unusual position among gemstones. Many times, owning a piece of Benitoite is viewed as a treasure of California's geological legacy, a jewel that captures the beauty and mystery of the earth. Benitoite is, all things considered, a gemstone of great beauty and rarity. One of the most sought-after and valuable gemstones worldwide, its bright blue fluorescence under UV light mixed with its special optical qualities and exclusiveness define it. Benitoite is the height of natural beauty for gem lovers and collectors; its brilliant colours perfectly portray the California countryside.