Apatite

Other Silicates & Gemstones

Apatite is a field name for closely related calcium phosphate minerals in the apatite group. Gem crystals occur in several colors, including blue-green, but their Mohs hardness of 5 and sensitivity to sudden temperature change make them less durable than many familiar jewelry stones.

Identity

Material or variety: Apatite
Scientific or material identity: Apatite
Classification: Natural mineral or mineral variety
Composition or formula: Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,Cl,OH)
Crystal system or structure: Hexagonal
Geological or manufacturing origin: Can form in more than one geological environment, or combines several materials.
Mohs hardness: 5

Origins

Brazil · India · Kenya · Madagascar · Myanmar · Namibia · Norway · Russia · Russia · Sri Lanka

Appearance & optical properties

vivid teal-blue translucent apatite.

History & discovery

Abraham Gottlob Werner introduced the name apatite in 1786. It comes from a Greek verb meaning “to deceive,” because crystals had repeatedly been mistaken for minerals such as beryl. The name now serves as a general field term when the exact apatite-group species has not been determined.

Uses & care

Common uses: Transparent crystals are faceted for collector jewelry, while chatoyant material may be cut as cabochons. Far larger quantities of apatite-bearing rock supply phosphate for fertilizer and other industrial products.
Handling and cleaning: Use lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth. Avoid steam, ultrasonic cleaners, heat, rapid temperature changes and hard knocks; apatite scratches and chips relatively easily, so store it away from harder gems.

Jewellery

5 pieces of Apatite jewellery. Learners earn each one in DigMyGem by learning words; until then it shows as a silhouette.

Moroxite Sea-Pendant
Pendant
A teal-blue apatite cabochon, the colour old jewellers called moroxite, hung as a pendant beneath a knot of small diamonds. Apatite is soft, so the stone is set deep in its frame and worn only on quiet occasions.
Asparagus-Stone Ring
Ring
A green apatite of the shade once sold as asparagus stone, cut as a cushion and set in a plain gold band. The name held a warning, for the stone is soft and easily scratched.
Cat's-Eye Apatite Brooch
Brooch
A chatoyant apatite cut as a cabochon so a single silver band of light rides across the stone. It is set as a brooch like a watchful cat's eye.
Neon Lagoon Tiara
Tiara
An imagined tiara of neon blue apatite, a soft gem whose vivid colour rivals that of the rare Paraiba tourmaline.
Lagoon Riviere Necklace
Necklace
An imagined riviere necklace, a single unbroken line of neon blue-green apatites in white gold, bright as a tropical lagoon.