19:07
Narrated History of the Benitoite Gem Mine
You can see benitoite mineral specimens for sale here: www.benitoite.com A video of the na...
published: 10 Mar 2012
author: mineralshow
Narrated History of the Benitoite Gem Mine
You can see benitoite mineral specimens for sale here: www.benitoite.com A video of the natural and human history of the Benitoite Gem mine area as told by Helen Dallas Read - daughter of Rod Dallas - and narrated by Roger Steffens. A couple of small errors most notable is the statement saying benitoite was designated the State Gemstone of California in 1987. It was 1985. The details about the people in the video are very interesting as are the assertions of certain individuals entering the mine as "uninvited rockhounds" while showing a picture of a young Ed Swoboda. You could add at least 500 other people to that list including me... I found this to be a very informative video on the history of the mine and well worth the 18 minutes to watch. Thanks for watching, John Veevaert
1:33
New Benitoite Mine Specimens July 2011
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published: 07 Jul 2011
author: mineralshow
New Benitoite Mine Specimens July 2011
10:11
Benitoite Final Locked H 264
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published: 15 Aug 2009
author: bcptestingground
Benitoite Final Locked H 264
0:33
Benitoite Gem Mine Rocks
Uncleaned benitoite mine material that will be auctioned off starting with a reserve of $1...
published: 08 Sep 2011
author: mineralshow
Benitoite Gem Mine Rocks
Uncleaned benitoite mine material that will be auctioned off starting with a reserve of $1. That's right a single buck! The auction starts September 15. auction1.mineral-auctions.com
1:58
#103, Benitoite Specimens
www.capistranomining.com, AMAZING HIGH QUALITY BENITOITE SPECIMAN WITH DOZENS OF FACET GRA...
published: 30 Jun 2011
author: wschrimp
#103, Benitoite Specimens
www.capistranomining.com, AMAZING HIGH QUALITY BENITOITE SPECIMAN WITH DOZENS OF FACET GRADE BENITOITE CRYSTALS! For more information and photos of this specimen go to capistranomining.com Rarely do you come across a Benitoite specimen of such fine quality.This amazing cabinet specimen comes from the only place on earth these minerals can be found, Originally called the Dallas Mine, now the Benitoite Gem Mine or California State Gem Mine, in San Benito County, California. Not only is this an amazing shortwave fluorescent specimen, but under longwave UV, it has amazing red coloration in most of the benitoite crystals, which make this piece even more rare. What makes this specimen so special is not only the dozens of facet grade benitoite crystals, the multitude of well terminated crystals but the aesthetics of it.. Rarely do you find the contrast of blue crystals on a green schist with the white natrolite running thru it. This specimen really needs a turn table to be appreciated, since there are crystals everywhere you look on this piece. Every time I look at this piece I see something I have not seen before. All of the photos just do not do this justice. This specimen measures approx. 8.20 cm (3.25") Tall x 6.40 cm (2.5") wide x 4.20 cm (1.60") thick. This specimen is host to literally dozens of benitoite crystals, and this is what is presently showing. There are still more to be uncovered if one chose to. The benitoite crystals range in color from light blue to medium <b>...</b>
1:28
#104, Benitoite, Neptunite, Joaquinite and Djurleite Specimen
www.capistranomining.com , AMAZING FOUR MINERAL SPECIMAN WITH NUMEROUS FACET GRADE BENITOI...
published: 30 Jun 2011
author: wschrimp
#104, Benitoite, Neptunite, Joaquinite and Djurleite Specimen
www.capistranomining.com , AMAZING FOUR MINERAL SPECIMAN WITH NUMEROUS FACET GRADE BENITOITE CRYSTALS! For more information and photos of this specimen go to capistranomining.com Rarely do you come across a Benitoite specimen of such fine quality. This cabinet specimen has basically everything could want on a specimen from this locale. Rarely do pieces reveal a trio of these rare minerals, let alone four. On this specimen you have Benitoite, Neptunite, Joaquinite and Djurleite crystals within and a top natrolite on a green schist matrix. There is only one place on earth these minerals can be found together, the Benitoite Gem Mine, now called the California State Gem Mine, in San Benito County, California. This specimen measures approx. 9.83 cm (4") long x 8.05 cm (3.25") wide x 4.33 cm (1.75") thick. This specimen is host to at least 24 benitoite crystals, of them, 20 are facet grade. The benitoite crystals are beautiful deep blue in color. The largest benitoite crystal on the specimen is only partially exposed and measures almost 1.7 cm across, very large for this rare mineral. Among these amazing crystals are differing sizes of neptunite, the largest being a perfectly terminated one approx. 2.4 cm long. Also present on this specimen are very small crystals of joaquinite and djurleite. These benitoite crystals are facet grade, not just their tips, but the whole crystals. I say this only to show their clarity, but this piece should not be chopped up. Crystals this clean <b>...</b>
2:01
#111, Benitoite, Neptunite and Djurleite Specimen
www.capistranomining.com , AMAZING MULTI MINERAL SPECIMEN To get more information and see ...
published: 01 Jul 2011
author: wschrimp
#111, Benitoite, Neptunite and Djurleite Specimen
www.capistranomining.com , AMAZING MULTI MINERAL SPECIMEN To get more information and see photos of this specimen go to, capistranomining.com Every once in a while you get a great surprise when etching a specimen from the mine, and this is surely one of them. This small cabinet specimen of blue schist and natrolite matrix hosts some amazing crystals. There is only one place on earth these minerals can be found together, the Benitoite Gem Mine, now called the California State Gem Mine, in San Benito County, California. The overall size of the specimen is approx. 5.65 cm (2.22 inches) long x 3.31 cm ( 1.30 inches) wide x 2.56 (1" inch) tall. The specimen is mounted on a clear acrylic base with mineral tack, for a very pleasing display. There are approx. 12 benitoite crystals present on this specimen. Some are damaged at the edge of the piece. The main show stoppers are 3 larger than normal crystals of benitoite. They are naturally fractured and or included but each of these crystals has some gemmy areas in them. The largest crystal measure an amazing 2.2 cm. It's tip is missing and was damaged long before it was ever etch. It is still a very impressive crystal of benitoite. If this crystal was complete, my asking price for this piece would be 4 to 5 times higher. The other large crystals measure approx. 1.6 cm and the other, which is not fully exposed has to be at least that large, these are also very large for benitoite. There are also other benitoite crystals that are <b>...</b>
0:13
Benitoite specimen with lots of gem rough
This specimen of natrolite and crossite is host to several crystals of benitoite to 1.7 cm...
published: 28 Sep 2008
author: johntveev
Benitoite specimen with lots of gem rough
This specimen of natrolite and crossite is host to several crystals of benitoite to 1.7 cm across and a few crystals of neptunite. A few of the crystals have a considerable amount of gem rough. The top crystal has a particularly large cutter in it. I am setting the reserve bid at approximately 1/2 the gem rough value in this specimen. auction3.mineral-auctions.com
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Benitoite, California
2.0"SharpRoyalBlue BENITOITE Crystals+Matrix-CA ...please visit us at www.TreasureMou...
published: 15 Dec 2010
author: treasuremtnmining
Benitoite, California
2.0"SharpRoyalBlue BENITOITE Crystals+Matrix-CA ...please visit us at www.TreasureMountainMining.com to see over 2500 more fine mineral specimens
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Benitoite Crystals on Matrix - California
22 Sharp Royal Blue BENITOITE Crystals on 2.5"Matrix-CA ...please visit us at www.Tre...
published: 13 Jul 2010
author: treasuremtnmining
Benitoite Crystals on Matrix - California
22 Sharp Royal Blue BENITOITE Crystals on 2.5"Matrix-CA ...please visit us at www.TreasureMountainMining.com to see over 2500 more fine mineral specimens
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#109, Benitoite and Neptunite Specimen
www.capistranomining.com . Many facet grade crystals on this one. This small cabinet speci...
published: 01 Jul 2011
author: wschrimp
#109, Benitoite and Neptunite Specimen
www.capistranomining.com . Many facet grade crystals on this one. This small cabinet specimen has numerous crystals of benitoite and neptunite, just what you want on a specimen from this locale. This specimen is SOLD. For more information and photos of this specimen go to capistranomining.com On this specimen you have Benitoite and Neptunite crystals within and a top natrolite on a blue schist matrix. There is only one place on earth these minerals can be found together, the Benitoite Gem Mine, now called the California State Gem Mine, in San Benito County, California. This specimen measures approx. 7.76 cm (3") tall x 6.42 cm (2.5") wide x 3.64 cm (1.4") thick. This specimen is host to dozens of benitoite crystals in just about every habit for benitoite, and many are facet grade. The benitoite crystals are beautiful deep blue with violet in color, there is also one that is mostly clear with a neptunite crystal inside the benitoite crystal that has turned part of the crystal almost black. The largest benitoite crystal on the specimen measures almost 2 cm along it's terminated edge, and there are 2 crystals this size. Many of the crystals are very large for benitoite, which just makes this specimen even more rare. Among these amazing benitoite crystals are differing sizes of neptunite, most are nicely terminated but the largest one is damaged. Since a nice benitoite formed around it, I decided to leave it on the specimen. Also, one of the large benitoite crystals formed <b>...</b>
1:33
#106, Amazing Benitoite and Neptunite Specimen
www.capistranomining.com, This is an amazing specimen of benitoite and neptunite atop a ma...
published: 30 Jun 2011
author: wschrimp
#106, Amazing Benitoite and Neptunite Specimen
www.capistranomining.com, This is an amazing specimen of benitoite and neptunite atop a matrix of schist and natrolite. The contrasting colors really make this one stand out. The luster of the crystals is stunning. The show stopper is the triple terminated benitoite on the terminated larger neptunite crystal. The specimen stands about 6.6 cm tall and is about as wide. You can find out more about this specimen at my website, www.capistranomining.com Not all of the specimens in my videos are for sale, some are from my personal collection. To view more amazing mineral specimens or to find out more about this or other specimens, please go to www.capistranomining.com.
1:52
#102, Benitoite Specimen, Amazing crystal growth
www.capistranomining.com, Here is an amazing specimen of benitoite. The crystal intergrowt...
published: 30 Jun 2011
author: wschrimp
#102, Benitoite Specimen, Amazing crystal growth
www.capistranomining.com, Here is an amazing specimen of benitoite. The crystal intergrowth is really spectacular. The largest benitoite crystal measures 3.1 cm., huge for the species. The specimens stands 6 cm tall. Multiple crystal intergrown to form a partial "Star of David". These crystals are all partially crossite included making them appear to be "stoneys" or "rockys" as they are called. However, each crystal also has a gem area within. The large neputinite going thru the center is partially terminated. Not all of the specimens in these videos are available for sale. Some are from my personal collection. Come view more amazing mineral specimens at www.capistranomining.com
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#114, Benitoite and Neptunite Specimen
www.capistranomining.com , AMAZING TABBY BENITOITE SPECIMEN To get more information and se...
published: 26 Jul 2011
author: wschrimp
#114, Benitoite and Neptunite Specimen
www.capistranomining.com , AMAZING TABBY BENITOITE SPECIMEN To get more information and see photos of this specimen, go to, capistranomining.com Every once and a while you get a great surprise when etching a specimen from the mine, and this is surely one of them. This small cabinet specimen of blue schist matrix host 2 amazing tabby benitoite crystals along with 6 neptunite crystals atop and within natrolite. There is only one place on earth these minerals can be found together, the Benitoite Gem Mine, now called the California State Gem Mine, in San Benito County, California. The overall size of the specimen is approx. 6.1 cm (2.43 inches) long x 3.2 cm ( 1.2 inches) tall. The specimen is mounted on a clear acrylic base with mineral tack, for a very pleasing display. There are a few things that make this specimen so special. First is a beautiful small tabby benitoite crystal standing upright, with blue frosted terminations and a perfectly clear center, it measures approx. 6.6 mm. Another is the very large tabby. It also is very clean and very large with perfect terminations that lies flat on the matrix, it measures approx. 1.4 cm across. This large tabby is extremely translucent with blue frosted terminations. Another very special feature is the large neptunite, approx. 2.2 cm long, which has a very complex termination on the back that I have never seen before. This is an amazing example of these benitoite and neptunite crystal habits. To see this specimen and many other <b>...</b>
0:40
Benitoite, California
2.5"Sharp Royal Blue BENITOITE 8 Crystals+Matrix-CA...please visit us at www.Treasure...
published: 16 Dec 2010
author: treasuremtnmining
Benitoite, California
2.5"Sharp Royal Blue BENITOITE 8 Crystals+Matrix-CA...please visit us at www.TreasureMountainMining.com to see over 2500 more fine mineral specimens
1:17
#119 Benitoite and Neptunite Specimen
www.capistranomining.com , Here is an amazing miniature specimen of Benitoite and Neptunit...
published: 03 Aug 2011
author: wschrimp
#119 Benitoite and Neptunite Specimen
www.capistranomining.com , Here is an amazing miniature specimen of Benitoite and Neptunite crystals. Perfect Crystals and very aesthetic. View photos of this specimen here, capistranomining.com This in one of those "Wow" specimens. All of the crystals on this piece are perfect ( except for a very few micro crystals on the edge). The specimen consists of one perfectly terminated, partially gemmy, benitoite crystal, 1.2 cm, sitting atop of a natrolite and blue schist matrix surrounded by neptunite crystals. The neptunite crystals run from micros up to 1.9 cm long. The large spray of neptunite crystals has amazing luster and lots of red flash. The specimen measures approx. 3.9 cm long x 3.6 cm wide x 2.3 cm tall. The edges of the specimen have been ground down to make a very eye appealing piece. This specimen has been mounted on a piece of clear acrylic with mineral tac for display. To view this specimen and other amazing specimens, please visit my website.
1:20
#112, Benitoite Specimen
www.capistranomining.com, Amazing benitoite specimen. Crystals up to 2.7 cm with very high...
published: 26 Jul 2011
author: wschrimp
#112, Benitoite Specimen
www.capistranomining.com, Amazing benitoite specimen. Crystals up to 2.7 cm with very high luster. The 2 lower crystals have been placed where they are with mineral tac after becoming detached from the natrolite. You can find more information about this specimen at www.capistranomining.com To see more amazing mineral specimens of benitoite and much more, visit my website. Some specimens in these videos may not be for sale.
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