Benitoite is a rare barium, a titanium silicate mineral, often grey or grey/blue in color, sometimes with a slight metallic luster. It can be found in association with Natrolite.
Benitoite: Meanings, Benefits and Properties
The frequency of Benitoite connects to the third eye and crown chakras. It opens one’s consciousness so that one is aware of higher dimensional energies and helps one to receive higher dimensional guidance. It aids one with telepathic communication and allows one’s consciousness to travel interdimensional.
The energy of this crystal enhances one’s channeling and other psychic abilities. It allows one insight and understanding of higher vibrational energies so that one can perceive auras and other energy fields.
Associated Chakras
- Third Eye
- Crown
Physical Ailment
- Brain Function
- Vision
Emotional Issue
- Discernment – Emotional
Spiritual Connection
- Channeling
- Higher Dimensional Access
- Inner Vision
- Psychic Ability
- Telepathy
Benitoite History
It was discovered in 1907 by prospector James M. Couch in the San Benito Mountains roughly halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Couch originally believed the mineral was a corundum mineral known as sapphire due to its resemblance of color.
In 1909, a sample was sent to the University of California, Berkeley where mineralogist Dr. George D. Louderback realized it was a previously unknown mineral. Corundum (sapphire) has a defined Mohs hardness of 9, while benitoite is much softer. He named it benitoite for its occurrence near the headwaters of the San Benito River in San Benito County, California.
Benitoite sources
Benitoite occurs in a number of isolated locations globally, but gemstone quality material has only been found in California at the Benito Gem Mine where it was first discovered. It has been correctly identified in Montana, Arkansas, Japan, and Australia although they formed under slightly different conditions and only grow large enough to be considered an accessory mineral. In 1985 benitoite was named as the official state gem of California.