Apatite
Apatite – natural stone
Apatite is a mineral from the phosphate group. Its name comes from the Greek word “apatao”, which means to deceive, referencing the fact that apatite stones are often mistaken for other minerals like topaz, tourmaline, olivine, or fluorite. Apatite minerals occur in all types of rocks, such as pegmatitic, sedimentary, and igneous rocks. Apatite stones can be found in Brazil, the USA, Myanmar, Mexico, Germany, Switzerland, Tanzania, South Africa, Bolivia, and Sri Lanka. Apatite is often found alongside other minerals like fluorite, topaz, quartz, and calcite. Apatite has a Mohs hardness of 5 and a density of 3.16–3.23 g/cm³. Its characteristic features include a hexagonal crystal system, distinct cleavage, and an uneven, conchoidal fracture.
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Apatite – color
Apatite stones come in various colors – yellow, colorless, blue, purple, green, red, gray, or even multicolored. Apatite is colorless, and its color depends on the inclusion of other minerals, such as chlorine and fluorine. Based on the color, several varieties of apatite are distinguished:
- Asparagus stone / Chlorapatite – yellow-green in color
- Moroxite – blue-green
- Fluorapatite – brown-red, purple, and red
- Tulliumite / Hydroxyapatite – white, yellow, and green
Apatite stones exhibit fluorescence in various colors, and some specimens have a cat’s eye effect. Characteristic features of apatite stones include a white streak and a glassy, resinous luster. Due to its wide color range, apatite is often mistaken for other natural stones like topaz, tourmaline, or aquamarine.
Apatite – applications
Apatite has a wide range of applications in various fields. It is a source of phosphorus, used to produce phosphoric acid, fertilizers, and matches. Transparent apatite stones are also valuable and sought-after collector’s items. Due to its properties, apatite is often used as a decorative stone and in jewelry. Apatite stones are usually given a cabochon or faceted cut. The price of apatite depends mainly on the intensity of its color, with highly saturated stones being the most prized in jewelry. They are used to create unique jewelry pieces such as earrings, necklaces, and rings. Apatite looks very good when combined with other gemstones like amethyst, onyx, or amazonite. In our jewelry stone store, you will find faceted apatite in various sizes.
