State
Gemstone: Benitoite (Blue Diamond)
Benitoite was designated
as the official State Gemstone in 1985. Sometimes called the " blue diamond",
it was first discovered near the headwaters of the San Benito River
from which it derived
its name. The gem is extremely rare and ranges in color from a light
transparent blue to dark, vivid sapphire blue, and occasionally it
is found in a violet shade.