Unveiling the Beauty of Benitoite Gemstone: Wigmore Trading’s Journey from Miners to Buyers

Welcome gemstone enthusiasts! Join us on a captivating journey as we unveil the mesmerizing beauty of one of nature’s rarest treasures – the Benitoite gemstone. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the incredible story of Wigmore Trading, a company that has not only discovered and mined these exquisite gems but also transformed themselves into passionate buyers. Prepare to be enchanted by their awe-inspiring journey through rugged mines, treacherous paths, and shimmering stones that have captivated hearts worldwide. Get ready to explore the hidden depths of Benitoite and learn why it truly deserves its title as “the gemstone beyond compare.”

Introduction to Benitoite Gemstone

Introduction to Benitoite Gemstone

Benitoite is a rare and beautiful gemstone that has captured the hearts of many gemstone enthusiasts. It is known for its vibrant blue color, which is often compared to the color of a sapphire or tanzanite. But what makes benitoite truly unique is its rarity – it can only be found in one small location in the world.

History of Discovery

The discovery of benitoite dates back to 1907 when it was first found by prospector James Couch in San Benito County, California. At first glance, he mistook the stone for sapphire due to its similar blue color. However, upon further inspection and testing, it was revealed to be a new mineral species and was named after its place of discovery – Benito County.

It wasn’t until 1985 that benitoite was officially recognized as the state gemstone of California, solidifying its importance and value in the world of gemstones.

Physical Properties

Benitoite belongs to the cyclosilicate family and has a chemical composition of BaTiSi3O9. It has a high refractive index and dispersion rate, giving it exceptional brilliance and fire. The gemstone also has a hardness level of 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable but still requiring proper care.

The History of Wigmore Trading and Benitoite Mining

The History of Wigmore Trading and Benitoite Mining

Wigmore Trading is a renowned gemstone trading company that has been in the industry for over two decades. The company specializes in sourcing and supplying rare and exotic gemstones from all around the world, including the highly coveted Benitoite gemstone.

But before becoming one of the top players in the gemstone market, Wigmore Trading had humble beginnings as a small-scale mining operation. The founders of the company, John and Alice Wigmore, were fascinated by the beauty and rarity of gemstones and decided to try their hand at mining them.

In 1997, they acquired a small mining claim in San Benito County, California – known for its rich deposits of Benitoite. Armed with only basic mining equipment and a passion for exploration, they set out to uncover this elusive blue gemstone.

The initial years were tough for John and Alice as they faced numerous challenges while trying to extract benitoite from its host rock. But their perseverance paid off when they finally struck a large pocket of high-quality benitoite crystals in 2001. This discovery marked the beginning of Wigmore Trading’s success story in the world of gemstones.

The Process of Mining and Sourcing Benitoite Gemstone

The Process of Mining and Sourcing Benitoite Gemstone

Benitoite is a rare and beautiful gemstone that has captured the attention of both gem collectors and jewelry enthusiasts around the world. Its unique blue color, high clarity, and exceptional durability make it a highly sought-after gemstone. But have you ever wondered where this stunning gem comes from? In this section, we will take a closer look at the process of mining and sourcing Benitoite gemstones.

Mining Benitoite

Benitoite was first discovered in San Benito County, California in 1907 by James Couch. Since then, the only known source of this gemstone is the San Benito River Valley near the town of Coalinga. The area is now known as “Gem Hill” due to its abundance of precious gems such as benitoite, neptunite, and joaquinite.

Mining for benitoite is not an easy task. The mineralized zone where benitoite is found is narrow and can be difficult to access due to its location on steep slopes covered with thick vegetation. Miners use heavy machinery to clear away trees and rocks before digging deep into the ground in search of pockets containing crystals.

Once a pocket is found, miners must carefully extract the crystals without damaging them. The crystals are often fragile and can break easily if not handled with care. This delicate process requires skilled miners with experience in handling precious gems.

Quality Control and Certification of Benitoite Gemstone

Quality control and certification are crucial aspects of the gemstone industry, and the benitoite gemstone is no exception. As with any other valuable gemstone, it is important to ensure that the benitoite being bought or sold is of the highest quality and meets all standards for authenticity.

At Wigmore Trading, we take great care in ensuring that our benitoite gemstones go through a rigorous quality control process before they are made available to our customers. This includes thorough inspection by trained professionals and testing methods such as spectroscope analysis, refractive index measurements, and specific gravity measurements.

One of the most important factors in determining the quality of a benitoite gemstone is its color. As mentioned earlier in this article, benitoites are known for their vibrant blue color which can range from pale blue to a deep sapphire blue. Our team at Wigmore Trading carefully examines each stone to ensure that it falls within this color range without any discrepancies or imperfections.

In addition to color, clarity also plays a significant role in determining the value of a benitoite gemstone. Just like diamonds, benitoites can have internal flaws or inclusions which can affect their overall appearance and value. Our experts use magnification tools to thoroughly examine each stone for any imperfections before certifying them as top-quality gems.

Working with Trusted Miners and Buyers in the Industry

Wigmore Trading has been in the gemstone industry for several decades now, and throughout our journey, we have built strong relationships with trusted miners and buyers. These relationships have played a significant role in our success as a leading supplier of the rare Benitoite gemstone. In this section, we would like to share how working with trusted miners and buyers has helped us unveil the true beauty of Benitoite.

At Wigmore Trading, we believe that building partnerships based on trust and transparency is crucial in the gemstone industry. This is especially true when dealing with a rare gemstone like Benitoite. As one of only two known sources of natural Benitoite in the world, it is essential to work closely with reputable miners who have access to this precious stone.

We take great pride in our close relationships with these miners who have been mining Benitoite for generations. They understand the importance of sustainable mining practices and adhere to strict ethical standards. This ensures that not only are we able to consistently source high-quality stones, but also do so in an environmentally responsible manner.

Working directly with experienced miners also allows us to develop a deep understanding of the entire mining process involved in extracting Benitoite from its host rock. From identifying potential pockets of deposits to carefully extracting them without damaging the crystals, every step requires precision and expertise. By collaborating closely with these skilled individuals, we gain valuable insights into their techniques which enables us to select only the best specimens for our customers.

The Popularity and Demand for Benitoite Gemstone

The Popularity and Demand for Benitoite Gemstone:

Benitoite has been gaining popularity in the gemstone market over the past few decades due to its unique and mesmerizing beauty. This rare gemstone was first discovered in 1907 by James Couch in San Benito County, California, hence its name “Benitoite”. However, it wasn’t until 1985 that it was declared as the official state gemstone of California.

One of the main reasons behind the increasing demand for benitoite is its exceptional rarity. It is estimated that only around 2,000 carats of faceted benitoite exist in the world, making it one of the scarcest gemstones on earth. Its limited availability makes it highly sought after by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike.

Another factor contributing to its popularity is its striking blue color. Benitoite’s vibrant blue shade rivals that of sapphires and tanzanites, making it a desirable alternative for those looking for something unique. The stone’s color ranges from a light sky blue to a deep royal blue, with some specimens exhibiting neon-like fluorescence under UV light.

Aside from its stunning appearance, benitoite also possesses excellent physical properties. It has a hardness level of 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday wear in jewelry pieces such as rings and pendants. It also has a high refractive index, which gives it superior brilliance when cut and polished.

How Wigmore Trading is Making a Difference in the Market

Wigmore Trading has been a pioneer in the gemstone market, especially when it comes to benitoite. The company’s journey started as a small-scale mining operation in San Benito County, California. However, over the years, they have expanded their reach and are now recognized as one of the leading buyers of benitoite stones.

One of the key ways Wigmore Trading is making a difference in the market is through their ethical sourcing practices. The company believes in responsible mining techniques that prioritize environmental sustainability and fair labor practices. This commitment to ethical sourcing not only ensures that their products are of high quality but also contributes to positive change in the industry.

In addition to ethically sourced stones, Wigmore Trading also stands out for its dedication to promoting transparency and traceability throughout its supply chain. They work closely with their partner mines to ensure that every step of the process – from extraction to sale – is documented and can be easily traced back to its origin. This level of transparency not only gives customers peace of mind but also helps combat issues like illegal mining and fraudulent practices.

Another way Wigmore Trading is making a difference is by actively investing in local communities where they operate. The company understands that their success relies heavily on these communities, and thus they strive to give back through various initiatives such as education programs and infrastructure development projects. By doing so, they help create sustainable livelihoods for local residents while also preserving cultural heritage.

Conclusion: The Beauty and Value of Benitoite Gemstone

Conclusion: The Beauty and Value of Benitoite Gemstone

Throughout this blog, we have taken you on a journey to discover the rare and stunning Benitoite gemstone. From its origins as a little-known mineral in San Benito County, California, to its rise in popularity amongst gem collectors and jewelry enthusiasts worldwide, we hope that you have gained a deeper appreciation for this precious stone.

One of the most striking features of the Benitoite gemstone is its vibrant blue color. Its intense blue hue can range from a light cornflower blue to a deep sapphire blue, often resembling the famous Kashmir sapphires. This unique color is due to the presence of trace amounts of titanium within the crystal structure of benitoite. In fact, it is one of the few gemstones that contain natural blue pigment without any treatment or enhancement.

In addition to its captivating color, what makes Benitoite truly special is its rarity. The only known source for this gemstone is in San Benito County, making it one of the rarest gems in the world. The deposit was first discovered in 1907 by James Couch while he was prospecting for gold. Since then, only small pockets of benitoite crystals have been found sporadically throughout the years with no consistent mining operations until recently.