Gem Profile- Apatite

by Judy Ellis

We've all played the game "One of these things is not like the other ..." OK, here goes: fertilizer, bones, teeth. But, in this case, all of these things are made of the same stuff. What is this material, you ask? Well, it's one of the most common phosphate minerals, or calcium phosphate. This mineral is used in fertilizer, it's what our teeth and bones are made of, and in the gem world, it goes by the name apatite (pronounced just like "appetite").

There are three different types of apatite.

They are all classified as the same material, but each varies slightly in chemical structure.

Hydroxylapatite is a calcium phosphate found in tooth enamel and bones.

Fluorapatite is the source of fluoride in toothpaste and treated water, and chlorapatite provides phosphate for plants, which is why it is used in fertilizer.

Since these types are so similar, we use the single mineral name apatite to refer to all of them.

Jane Duke created this necklace and earring set using 14kt gold-filled wire with aquamarine, prehnite, and apatite beads.

Magan Weid designed this multimedia dragonfly choker using a copper-dipped ceramic bead, solid copper wire, and a tail made of faceted apatite beads.

This stone is a softie

Apatite is found in all types of rock, but usually only as small, fragmented crystals. In some metamorphic rocks, larger crystals have been discovered, although they remain uncommon.

The gem is not widely used because its crystals are small and the material is soft. With a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale, apatite is difficult to facet and not ideal for heavy wear.

Apatite is best used in earrings, pendants, and accent stones. If set in a ring, it should be placed in a protective setting and worn with care.

Clean apatite only with a soft cloth and avoid chemical cleaners.

The word apatite comes from the Greek apatein, meaning misleading or deceit. It is an interesting name for a stone, especially since it is often mistaken for beryl, peridot, or tourmaline.

Apatite appears in many colors, including yellow, pink, purple, green, and blue. Its most recognizable shade is the natural blue-green material from Madagascar, first introduced in the mid-1990s.

This vivid color became a popular alternative to the far more expensive Paraiba tourmaline, which can sell for thousands of dollars per carat.

Terri McMahon wire wrapped this 30x20mm apatite cabochon in sterling silver wire.

To attain a more desirable color, the stone was heat-treated to deepen and brighten the hues, creating neon apatite in teal, green, and a bright Paraiba-like blue.

The stones can be clear and faceted or chatoyant and cabbed for a cat's eye effect.

This apatite bracelet is made from Argentium silver wire, with matching earrings, made by Jane Duke.

Apatite's Value: Promotes peace and harmony

Apatite is considered a Gemini zodiac stone that supports focus.

It encourages new ideas, clear communication, and intellectual growth. It is also said to promote inner peace by reducing confusion and easing negative emotions.

Many believe apatite supports bone and cartilage health and may help relieve arthritis and joint pain.

On a diet? Apatite is also believed to raise the metabolic rate while decreasing appetite.

It is often described as a stone of manifestation, learning, health, and harmony.

Apatite is not only common on Earth, it has also been found on the moon.

Apollo astronauts returned with lunar rocks containing apatite rich enough in hydroxyl, a form of calcium hy

Apatite for a road trip!

Road Trip! The most famous apatite comes from Madagascar.

Traveling there would be amazing, but if you're on a budget, just rent the movie and enjoy the penguins instead.

Other apatite-rich deposits exist in Mexico, Brazil, and the United States.

Maine offers beautiful purple apatite from Apatite Mountain, where old quarries are now managed by the City of Auburn. Public access allows rock hounding for purple apatite, lepidolite, smoky quartz, and tourmaline. Please use only hand tools and be prepared for a day of digging with no facilities.

In the Western U.S., the Oceanview Mine in southern California offers a fun day of gem hunting for a fee. Located near Pala in San Diego County, the mine is open to the public only a few days per week. Bring water, sunscreen, lunch, and gloves the mine provides everything else.

You get to keep whatever you find, and you can even take home a 5-gallon bucket of screened gravel.

Jane Duke created this horseshoe link bracelet using apatite chip beads and sterling silver wire.

Gem Profile- Apatite

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