APATITE GEMSTONE
APATITE
APATITE comes from the Greek word APATAO which means TO DECEIVE. This is because when it was first discovered in 1552, apatite was often mistaken for other gemstones like Aquamarine, Beryl, Pedirot, Chrysolite, Tourmaline etc. Apatite was once believed to be the highly prized Paraiba Blue Tourmaline which is usually found in Brazil.
Apatite is a group of phosphate minerals with fluorite, chloride or hydroxyl. These diverse chemical compositions is what gives the apatite gemstones their different colors.
Apatite comes in various colors of green, blue, yellow, violet, white, grey, brown, red, colorless and transparent. Transparent green stones from Spain are known as Asparagus Stone, blue stones are called Moroxite. There is also the blue-green variety of apatite from Arendal, Norway.
Blue Brazilian apatites and those with a “neon” blue-green color, similar to that of Paraíba tourmalines from Brazil which are the most sought after and most expensive. The similarity to the stunning, extremely rare and astronomically prized Paraiba increases the value of this apatite gemstone although its price is still only a fraction of the world-renowned Paraiba.
This neon blue apatite is found in Madagascar but its deposit is depleting very fast. A new source has been found in Brazil.
Exquisite rich violet apatite from Maine are also highly valued by gem lovers.
Yellow apatite which is commonly found in Mexico has a fluorescence of purple to pink. Apatite fluoresce under short and long ultraviolet light.
The transparency of apatite varies from transparent to translucent and it has a vitreous luster. Its hardness is 5 on Mohs scale which makes it much softer than its lookalike tourmaline which is 7 to 7.5.
Due to its softness and brittle nature, apatite is a challenge to facet into gems as it is vulnerable to scratches and breakage. However, apatite jewelry with excellent clarity and color are a sight to behold.
Apatite as mineral is found all over the word; apatite as a gemstone is rare. Brazil, Canada, India, Madagascar and Mexico are the world's top producers of gem quality apatite.
the mineral of apatite which is a calcium phosphate, is a main component of our bones and teeth including the horns, tusks, hooves of animals. It is also used in water and dental products as well as a fertilizer for agriculture.
It was also discovered that the moon rocks collected by astronauts during the Apollo mission contained apatite.
Apatite beads and amulets have been discovered by archeology in the Middle-East and in Africa. However, apatite was only first studied in 1786 by the German geologist, Gottlob Werner.
Flourapatite is the mineral type in apatite that is made into gemstones. Some apatite can create the phenomenon called Cat’s Eye (or Chatoyancy). This usually occurs when there are rutile inclusions. Usually apatite with chatoyancy is cut en cabochon or dome shape. Those with no flaws or blemishes are considered high quality and fetch a premium price. Cat’s Eye apatite can be found in Kenya and Tanzania.
Apatite has been found to be the mineral that had preserved dinosaurs’ bones for millions of years. Apatite is also used in the manufacturing industry for steel production and plasma TV screens.
The minerals in apatite is beneficial in the treatment of arthritis, inflammation of the joints, osteoporosis and other bone related problems.
Apatite helps in the increase of metabolic rate and is good for the digestive system. It also suppresses the spasms of hunger.
Apatite gives you confidence and self-esteem to achieve your goals. It boosts your energy and motivation to succeed. It helps you rid of all the negative feelings and doubts within you.
Apatite is the gemstone of manifestation. It gives you mental clarity to work out the stumbling blocks which are inhibiting your life.
Apatite is a bringer of prophetic dreaming. It is recommended to place apatite under your pillow before going to sleep.
APATITE comes from the Greek word APATAO which means TO DECEIVE. This is because when it was first discovered in 1552, apatite was often mistaken for other gemstones like Aquamarine, Beryl, Pedirot, Chrysolite, Tourmaline etc. Apatite was once believed to be the highly prized Paraiba Blue Tourmaline which is usually found in Brazil.
Apatite is a group of phosphate minerals with fluorite, chloride or hydroxyl. These diverse chemical compositions is what gives the apatite gemstones their different colors.
Apatite comes in various colors of green, blue, yellow, violet, white, grey, brown, red, colorless and transparent. Transparent green stones from Spain are known as Asparagus Stone, blue stones are called Moroxite. There is also the blue-green variety of apatite from Arendal, Norway.
Blue Brazilian apatites and those with a “neon” blue-green color, similar to that of Paraíba tourmalines from Brazil which are the most sought after and most expensive. The similarity to the stunning, extremely rare and astronomically prized Paraiba increases the value of this apatite gemstone although its price is still only a fraction of the world-renowned Paraiba.
This neon blue apatite is found in Madagascar but its deposit is depleting very fast. A new source has been found in Brazil.
Exquisite rich violet apatite from Maine are also highly valued by gem lovers.
Yellow apatite which is commonly found in Mexico has a fluorescence of purple to pink. Apatite fluoresce under short and long ultraviolet light.
The transparency of apatite varies from transparent to translucent and it has a vitreous luster. Its hardness is 5 on Mohs scale which makes it much softer than its lookalike tourmaline which is 7 to 7.5.
Due to its softness and brittle nature, apatite is a challenge to facet into gems as it is vulnerable to scratches and breakage. However, apatite jewelry with excellent clarity and color are a sight to behold.
Apatite as mineral is found all over the word; apatite as a gemstone is rare. Brazil, Canada, India, Madagascar and Mexico are the world's top producers of gem quality apatite.
the mineral of apatite which is a calcium phosphate, is a main component of our bones and teeth including the horns, tusks, hooves of animals. It is also used in water and dental products as well as a fertilizer for agriculture.
It was also discovered that the moon rocks collected by astronauts during the Apollo mission contained apatite.
Apatite beads and amulets have been discovered by archeology in the Middle-East and in Africa. However, apatite was only first studied in 1786 by the German geologist, Gottlob Werner.
Flourapatite is the mineral type in apatite that is made into gemstones. Some apatite can create the phenomenon called Cat’s Eye (or Chatoyancy). This usually occurs when there are rutile inclusions. Usually apatite with chatoyancy is cut en cabochon or dome shape. Those with no flaws or blemishes are considered high quality and fetch a premium price. Cat’s Eye apatite can be found in Kenya and Tanzania.
Apatite has been found to be the mineral that had preserved dinosaurs’ bones for millions of years. Apatite is also used in the manufacturing industry for steel production and plasma TV screens.
The minerals in apatite is beneficial in the treatment of arthritis, inflammation of the joints, osteoporosis and other bone related problems.
Apatite helps in the increase of metabolic rate and is good for the digestive system. It also suppresses the spasms of hunger.
Apatite gives you confidence and self-esteem to achieve your goals. It boosts your energy and motivation to succeed. It helps you rid of all the negative feelings and doubts within you.
Apatite is the gemstone of manifestation. It gives you mental clarity to work out the stumbling blocks which are inhibiting your life.
Apatite is a bringer of prophetic dreaming. It is recommended to place apatite under your pillow before going to sleep.