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. Only with the recent availability of the neon blue-green variety from Madagascar, has its jewelry use increased. The color of the best specimens of this type rivals the famed Paraiba tourmalines, but apatite is not quite as hard.
What jewelry designs are great for apatite?
At 5 on the Mohs scale, apatite must be cut, set, and worn gently. Earrings, pendants, pins, and tie tacks are quite safe, but ring use should be limited to occasional wear pieces with protective settings. Care for this stone is similar to that given opals, it is heat and shock sensitive, so steamers and ultrasonics must be avoided.
Gems are available in yellows and various shades of blues and greens. Some of the blues show chatoyancy and can be cut as cat's eyes. The main sources are Brazil, Canada, India, Mozambique, and Madagascar.
GemSelect has a wide selection of gems with photos of the actual gem that you will be purchasing, not some stock photo. Once a purchase is made, you can print out a certificate of authenticity. You know you are getting the real thing. The pricing is competitive. Their website also has useful information about gems.The website is easy to use. I have made multiple purchases with GemSelect, and I will be back again!
My experiences with Gemselect have always been quite satisfactory. The items are accurately photographed, a detailed description and provenance provided and the compare feature helps customers select the best gem for their needs. I have often recommended this source and will continue to do so.
I ordered several specific items from Gemselect. Items are always packaged very carefully to protect the content. Gemselect always encloses a card of authenticity which documents the entire stone, its size, clarity, etc. All of the items are as they were described. I would highly recommend them to anyone who’s in the market for a gem.
I frequently check the GemSelect website for a variety of gems. I've been very satisfied with the selection and quality of the top rated gems. All of the purchases I've made have turned out beautiful pieces of jewelry.
