Bright and sharp Neptunite crystals, some of them doubly terminated, with very well-defined faces and edges. On matrix with white Natrolite and with a small crystal of Benitoite.
This mine is located in the headwaters of the San Benito River, within the New Idria District, a classic area related to ultramafic rocks and serpentinized complexes. The Benitoite and Neptunite mineralization occurs in veins and cavities within highly sodium-rich metamorphosed rocks, developed in a complex tectonic setting linked to the San Andreas Fault system. This is the type locality for Benitoite and one of the most iconic mineral localities in North America.
California State Gem Mine (Benitoite Gem Mine), San Benito River headwaters area, Santa Rita Peak, New Idria District, San Benito County, California USA
Specimen size: 6.4 × 3.6 × 2.1 cm = 2.52” × 1.42” × 0.83”
Main crystal size: 1.6 × 0.7 cm = 0.63” × 0.28”
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