The name Apatite comes from the Greek word “Apatao”, meaning “To Deceive” or "cheat". "Nome est omen", the Romans said in order to predict controversy. 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 is said to enhance one's insight, learning abilities and creativity, and to give increased self-confidence. It also is said to help achieve deeper states of meditation. Using Apatite is said to facilitate the desired results when working with other crystals.

Did you know that Apatite was once used as a source of phosphate for fertilizer? Today, mainly phosphorites are used. Apatite is also believed by crystal healers to be useful to help improve one's coordination and to strengthen muscles, and to help suppress hunger and ease hypertension. Apatite (Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)) is a common accessory mineral in many types of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. The largest Apatite deposits are associated with alkalic rocks. Apatite is actually three different minerals depending on the predominance of either fluorine, chlorine or the hydroxyl group: Calcium (Fluoro, Chloro, Hydroxyl) Phosphate. These ions can freely substitute in the crystal lattice and all three are usually present in every specimen although some specimens are almost 100% pure in one group. The color in Apatite is often due to the presence of rare earth elements or by natural irradiation. Apatite is a clear to opaque gem that comes in many colors, including green, yellow, blue, violet, and a yellow-green variety, originally mined in Spain, commonly called “Asparagus Stone” because of its similarity in color to the vegetable. Cat's Eye Apatite gems are also known.  Apatite is found in Brazil, Madagascar, Russia, Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Canada, East Africa, Sweden, Spain and Mexico. A rare variety are rich purpled gems from Maine. Brazil is the traditional source of gem quality Apatite. Quite attractive, Brazilian Apatite is a medium dark to dark, strongly saturated blue color. However, recent finds of what is now widely referred to as Neon Apatite in Madagascar has added to the popularity of this gem. The neon ranges from a green to blue and exhibits excellent saturation. 'Neon' Apatite Cat's-eye Apatite

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 gem as well, color saturation defines the value.   As it is quite a soft gem and tends to exhibit a pale translucency, Apatite is often used in earrings and pendants where it will catch the light and really shine. The mineral Apatite is quite common but gem quality specimens are rare. This combined with its softness, has prevented Apatite from becoming particularly popular, even though its existence has been known since ancient times. The more intense the color (i.e. neon or vivid), the higher the cost of Apatite. The best gems will be almost a neon greenish blue with a clean clarity. Apatite over 1 Carat is rare and will command higher prices.

Return To Top of Page

Home| Diamonds | Birthstones | Catalog | Contact Us  Product Knowledge | Special Request  | Terms - Polices

800-531-7122

© 1997-2008 GemScape.Com If you have experienced any technical difficulties with this Website, please contact the Webtech