Apatite originates from the Greek word for "cheat". That unfair title was allegedly earned from apatite's possible confusion with amblygonite, andalusite, brazilianite, precious beryl, sphene, topaz or tourmaline. Apatite, a stone seldom found in jewelry stores and virtually unknown to the general public, is beloved by collectors for its many different colors and forms.
Apatite colors
Buying Apatite
Where is Apatite found?
Common Apatite Treatments
World-famous Apatite
Apatite gemology
Apatite legends & lore
Apatite Care
Apatite colors
The range of colors includes colorless, pink, yellow, green, blue and violet.
Buying Apatite
Color
A rare variety is a rich purple from Maine. Blue Brazilian stones are second in demand. A light green variety of apatite carries the trade name "asparagus stone". The recent availability of the neon blue-green variety from Madagascar has resulted in more apatite jewelry. The color of the best specimens of this type rivals the famed Paraiba tourmalines, but apatite lacks tourmaline's toughness and hardness. As for any other gems, color saturation defines the value.
Clarity
Apatite is a transparent gemstone. Some of the blue and yellow apatite show chatoyancy and can be cut as cat's eyes.
Cut
At 5 on the Mohs scale, apatite must be cut, set, and worn gently. Earrings, pendants, pins, and tie tacks are probably safe, but ring use should be limited to occasional wear pieces with protective settings. Apatite comes in many different shapes.
Apatite location and deposits
Apatites are found in Brazil, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar (Burma), Norway, Sri Lanka, South Africa and the United States.
Common Apatite treatments
Blue apatite is typically heat treated; the green is usually untreated.
World-famous Apatite
None
Apatite gemology
Species: Apatite group
Color: Colorless, pink, yellow, green, blue violet
Chemical composition: Ca5(PO4)3(F,OH,CI) basic fluoro- and chloro-calcium
Crystal system: (Hexagonal), columnar, thick tabular
Hardness: 5 (Mohs scale)
Specific gravity: 3.16 - 3.23
Refractive index: 1.628 - 1.649
Birefringence: -0.002 to - -0.006
Optical character:
Color of streak: White to yellow-gray
Absorption spectrum: Yellow and green a.: 597, 585, 577, 533, 529, 527, 525, 521, 514, 469; Blue a.: 512, 507, 491, 464
Fluorescence: Yellow a.: purple to pink
The Apatite zodiac, myth & legend
Lesser or unknown gems share the same destiny: no access to fame, myth, legends or the zodiac scheme.
Care
Care for apatite is similar to that given opals, it is heat and shock sensitive, so steamers and ultrasonic must be avoided. The stone is slightly too soft to recommend for rings. |
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