Benitoite in Matrix
Benitoite Gem Mine
San Benito County, California
4.1 cm x 2.0 cm x 1.0 cm
Here is a interesting miniature specimen of Benitoite in matrix.
This comes from a vein within a piece of matrix, that had no snowy white natrolite.
Instead the matrix was a mix of natrolite and crossite, allowing the matrix to be etched away to expose the crystals.
Numerous benitoite crystals line this vein, most are small and gemmy, while some are partially included with crossite.
The top of the specimen has the most crystals, but there are also some on the bottom side as well.
