Apatite is named after apate, the Greek word for deceit, since it can often be similar in appearance to many other precious minerals like beryls, tourmalines, topazes and peridots. While considered to be “too brittle” for jewelry use, apatite is a popular collector’s stone. Blue Brazilian apatites and those with blue-green hues similar to Paraiba tourmalines are the highest priced specimens. Rich purple apatite gems from Maine are also highly coveted.
Apatite is commonly found in Myanmar, India, Kenya, Madagascar, South Africa, and Norway. The most prized blue apatites are found in Brazil, while Mexico is the most popular supplier of luminescent yellow apatite specimens.
There are three minerals that actually contribute to apatite, which is the reason for the varied colors and shades of this stone. Apatite is calcium phosphate combined with fluorine, chlorine or hydroxyl. These three minerals are usually found in every specimen but some specimens have been known to have 100% of one or the other. It is often hard to spot the difference between the three minerals in hand samples of this stone. Therefore, they are often considered together in apatite.
Chemical Formula:Ca5(PO4)3(F,OH,CI) - Basic fluoro- and chloro-calcium
Crystal Structure: Hexagonal, columnar, thick tabular
Color: Colorless, pink, yellow, green, blue, violet
Hardness: 5 on the Mohs scale (defining mineral)
Refractive Index: 1.628 - 1.649
Density: 3.16 - 3.23
Cleavage: Indiscernible, conchoidal fracture
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Double Refraction or Birefringence: -0.002 to -0.006
Luster: Vitreous
Fluorescence: Yellow apatite: purple to pink
Mental Clarity: It improves mental clarity and attention. They are thought to aid in memory recall and overall cognitive function.
Emotional Recovery: These gemstones are said to provide an emotionally soothing effect. They are known to reduce tension and anxiety while also promoting a sense of peace and relaxation.
Physical Rejuvenation: These gemstones are thought to offer therapeutic properties. They are thought to help with calcium absorption, which is vital for bone health. They may also help in the recovery of fractures as well as additional bone injuries.
Creativity: It is supposed to boost creativity and artistic expression. They are thought to aid in communication and self-expression.
These jewels require careful attention to maintain their luster. Here are some suggestions for maintaining your apatite gemstones:
Because they are temperature and chemically-sensitive, you must keep them out of extreme temperatures and harsh chemicals.
Keep it in a secure location, such as a jewelry box or purse, to avoid scratches and damage.
Finally, it should be cleaned gently with a soft brush, water, and mild soap. Harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaning products should be avoided since they might harm the gemstone.