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Benitoite

Benitoite is the state gem of California.

Chemical Formula: BaO₉Si₃Ti

Other names: Barium titanium cyclo-trisilicate

Layman's explanation: Benitoite was discovered in 1906 near San Benito River, in California. It was thought to be a type of sapphire because of the blue color but x-ray crystallography proved differently. It will fluoresce, to a pale blue, under UV light. It produces trigonal crystals and is the only mineral with ditrigonal-dipyramidal symmetry.

Keywords: fluoresce, ditrigonal-dipyramidal

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