Apatite

Apatite

What is Apatite?

Apatite is basically the name of collective phosphate minerals having the same physical properties and chemical composition. Apatite minerals are somewhat delicate, and hence, they often rupture by both cleavage and fracture. Nonetheless, cleavage is typically indistinctable.

Origin of the Apatite

In 1786, Apatite minerals were first discovered by Abraham Gottlob Wener, a German geologist. Often Apatite stones were mistaken as tourmaline stones. Accordingly, its name derives from the Greek word “Apate,” meaning “to deceive.”

How is Apatite formed?

The formation of Apatite is under different conditions. The deposits are usually found in sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks in lacustrine and marine domains.

Where are Apatite found?

The major source of Apatite gemstones is Brazil, Mexico and Myanmar. Apart from these three countries, Apatite is also sourced from Germany, Norway, the United States, India, Canada, Madagascar, South Africa, Mozambique, Spain, the Czech Republic, and Sri Lanka.

Apatite Colour

The colour of the Apatite minerals usually appears in the green shade. However, they can also be available in blue, purple, brown, pink, yellow. Apatite minerals can also look colourless.

Apatite Composition

Apatite is a collective name of several phosphate minerals. These minerals are generally Hydroxyapatite, Chlorapatite, and fluorapatite. This group of phosphate minerals has a huge concentration of OH−, Cl− and F− ions in the crystals. These three endmember formula is Ca10(PO4)6(OH, F, Cl)2, while the formula of the individual crystal unit cell is Fluorapatite is Ca5(PO4)3F, Hydroxylapatite is Ca5(PO4)3(OH), Chlorapatite is Ca5(PO4)3Cl, and Carbonate-rich Apatite is Ca5(PO4, CO3)3(F, O).

Clarity and Lustre

Apatite comes with a significant consistency in hardness, which is why they are five in the Mohs Scale. These groups of minerals appear to be excellent in their colour and clarity. Therefore, their lustre varies from vitreous to sub-resinous.

Apatite Cut

Apatite minerals are usually cut into faceted stones. However, those gemstones that show excellent translucent and colour are cut in cabochons shape.

What are the Properties of the Apatite?

• Chemical Classification: Phosphate
• Specific Gravity: 3.1 – 3.3
• Hardness: 5 (Mohs Scale)
• Streak: White
• Cleavage: Poor to indistinct
• Diaphaneity: Transparent to translucent

Apatite and Zodiac Birthstone

Apatite is suitable for a person who has Gemini, Virgo or Sagittarius zodiac signs. It is mostly useful for those who are born around the vernal equinox or the fresh springtime.

What are the Benefits of the Apatite?

Depending on the hues of the Apatite, the stones possess a wide variety of benefits. Generally, Apatite is beneficial for:

• Improves Strength
• Provides confidence
• Find an end to confusion
• Enhance creativity
• Clears negativity

What Jewellery is Apatite suitable for?

Since the colour of Apatite is most striking and vivid, they are frequently used as gemstones. The blue-coloured Apatite gemstones are called moroxite, which is very famous for jewellery usage.

In general, Apatite gemstones are infrequent in the jewellery industry as they are not ideal for high-exposure settings. They are usually used to make beautiful earrings, rings, bracelets, etc.