Benitoite

Mineral Group: Cyclosilicate Group

Key Properties

Property Value
Mohs Hardness 6.25 (6-6.5)
Typical Size 0.1-5 carats (commercial: 0.25-2 carats; stones over 2 carats are very rare)
Typical Price Range $3,000-10,000+ per carat (commercial: $4,000-7,000; California rarity)
Rarity Level Singular Occurrence
Availability Level Museum Grade Rarity
Availability Driver Limited Deposits
Investment Appropriateness Speculative Collector Gems

Detailed Descriptions

Rarity Description: Blue barium titanium silicate first discovered in California; gem-quality specimens are localized and rare.

Availability Description: Primarily appears at auction and via specialist dealers; outstanding pieces are directed to museums and high-end collectors.

Investment Description: California rarity with limited production; strong collector demand; proven appreciation for finest specimens; small but dedicated market; requires long-term holding.

Colors

Buy This Gem

Buy on Gem Rock Auctions Buy on Best In Gems

Investment Ranking Calculation

The composite score of 74.38 is calculated using a weighted formula:

  • Geological Rarity (25%): 100 points
  • Market Availability (25%): 100 points
  • Investment Appropriateness (25%): 50 points
  • Hardness (12.5%): 10 points
  • Price Range (12.5%): 85 points

Formula: (100 × 0.25) + (100 × 0.25) + (50 × 0.25) + (10 × 0.125) + (85 × 0.125) = 74.38

BULLISH
74.38

Score Components

Geo rarity
100
Mkt availability
100
Invest Appr
50
hardness
10
price
85