Apatite: Gemstone Information
Once assigned a group of their own the apatite minerals chlorapatite, fluorapatite and hydroxyl apatite stand alone as independent species. They are monoclinic or hexagonal phosphates. Gem material apatite are usually hydroxyl apatite or fluorapatite; the fine transparent yellow Mexican material is hydroxyl apatite and the purple material from Maine is fluorapatite. For the gemmologist, there is no need to make miner biological distinctions providing that an apparent apatite does not prove to be something quite different.
Apatite is found in a wide range of situations; gem apatite usually occurring in pegmatites, hydrothermal veins or alluvially. Apatite can be found in a wide range of colors with violet (especially from Maine) being notably attractive. The Mexican yellow apatite is familiar to students for its rare earth fine line absorption spectrum and a rather beautiful quiet green has been in and out of the connoisseurs’ market in the past few years. A vibrant blue, resembling and rivalling the bright copper blue of the ParaÃba tourmaline, has been found in Madagascar. Apatite’s softness at 5 rules out hard wear: the hexagonal crystals are often quite large.
The SG falls in the range 3.17–3.23 with some blue specimens near 3.18 and yellow ones 3.22. RIs are in the range 1.63–1.64 uniaxial negative with birefringence low at 0.002–0.004. Dichroism is not usually prominent though distinct in the blue material. Both blue and yellow apatite may show the fine-line RE absorption spectrum in which elements of both neodymium and praseodymium are combined. Yellow apatite’s absorption spectrum is characteristic, consisting of two groups of fine lines, one group in the yellow, the other in the green.
Blue apatite shows broader elements with strong bands at 512, 491 and 464 nm. The apatite minerals respond variously to UV with some yellow specimens showing a lilac-pink under both LW and SW and some blue stones giving bright, deep violet-blue to sky blue. There would be little need for evaluating apatite’s response to X-rays. Beautiful blue stones are found in the Mogok Stone Tract of Myanmar and in the gem gravels of Sri Lanka, some of which have a fibrous structure making a cat’s-eye possible. Yellowish green crystals found in the Spanish province of Murcia, probably in the Serra de Espuna, have been called ‘asparagus stones’, from their characteristic color. From Arendal, in southern Norway, comes a beautiful bluish green variety.
Well-formed prismatic crystals of yellow color come from Cerro de Mercado, Durango, Mexico. Very fine violet-colored crystals are found at the Pulsifer Quarry, Androscoggin County, Maine, USA, one of the great mineral localities. A deep rich green apatite is found in Quebec and Ontario, Canada, and marketed as ‘trilliumite’. There are many other sources of apatite, which is a widespread mineral, but the localities given are the better-known places where gem material is found. Well-formed green crystals in an orange calcite come from Mozambique and form fine mineral specimens, the apatite often being clear enough to produce cut stones.
Yellow and green cat’s-eye apatite are not uncommon and an intense sapphire-blue material comes from Minas Gerais, Brazil. Yellowish green, greenish brown and reddish brown apatite and apatite cat’s-eyes have been found in the Umba valley in Tanzania. Green apatite from Rössing in Namibia have high RIs of 1.649–1.655 with a birefringence of 0.006. A massive sky-blue variety of apatite has been polished as an ornamental stone, and a variety of lapis lazuli from Siberia has been named lazur apatite.
Unveiling the Beauty and Benefits of Apatite Gemstone
Apatite gemstone, with its mesmerizing hues and vibrant energy, has long been revered for its captivating beauty and powerful metaphysical properties. Originating from various regions around the world, including Brazil, Mexico, and Madagascar, this unique gemstone possesses a rich history and a myriad of benefits for its wearers. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the origins, characteristics, and transformative qualities of Apatite, shedding light on its profound impact on the mind, body, and spirit.
Origins and Formation:
Apatite gemstone derives its name from the Greek word “apatein,” meaning to deceive, owing to its tendency to resemble other minerals. It is a phosphate mineral found in igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, where it forms through a combination of geological processes over millions of years. Apatite crystals exhibit a hexagonal crystal structure and a vitreous to sub-vitreous luster, with colors ranging from transparent to translucent, including shades of blue, green, yellow, and violet.
Physical Characteristics and Metaphysical Properties:
Physically, Apatite gemstones are prized for their exceptional clarity and vibrant colors, making them highly sought after in the world of gemstone jewelry. They exhibit a unique fluorescence under ultraviolet light, adding to their allure and mystique. Metaphysically, Apatite is believed to possess a range of healing and spiritual properties. It is associated with the throat chakra, promoting clear communication, self-expression, and creativity. Apatite is also thought to stimulate intellect, enhance concentration, and foster a deeper connection to one’s inner wisdom and intuition.
Benefits and Uses:
-
Communication and Expression: Apatite gemstone serves as a powerful tool for enhancing communication and self-expression. Its connection to the throat chakra encourages individuals to speak their truth with clarity and confidence, fostering open and honest communication in both personal and professional relationships. Apatite helps dissolve barriers to expression, allowing individuals to articulate their thoughts, feelings, and ideas with greater ease and authenticity.
-
Intellect and Concentration: For students, professionals, and anyone seeking to enhance mental clarity and focus, Apatite gemstone offers invaluable support. Its stimulating energies sharpen the mind, improve concentration, and enhance memory retention, making it an ideal companion for studying, brainstorming, and problem-solving. Apatite encourages curiosity, learning, and mental agility, empowering individuals to unlock their full intellectual potential.
-
Creativity and Inspiration: Apatite gemstone serves as a muse for artists, writers, and creatives of all kinds, inspiring new ideas and enhancing creative expression. Its vibrant colors and dynamic energy stimulate the imagination and ignite the fires of inspiration, allowing individuals to tap into their creative potential and bring their visions to life. Whether seeking artistic inspiration or innovative solutions to life’s challenges, Apatite can serve as a potent catalyst for creativity and innovation.
How to Incorporate Apatite into Your Life:
To experience the transformative benefits of Apatite gemstone, consider incorporating it into your daily life in the following ways:
- Jewelry: Adorn yourself with Apatite jewelry, such as pendants, necklaces, or earrings, to keep its healing energies close to your body throughout the day.
- Meditation: During meditation or spiritual practices, hold a piece of Apatite in your hand or place it on your throat chakra to deepen your connection to self-expression and creativity.
- Home Decor: Place Apatite crystals in your living space to create a vibrant and energized atmosphere, promoting clear communication, intellect, and inspiration.
Conclusion:
Apatite gemstone stands as a radiant symbol of creativity, communication, and intellectual prowess. Whether admired for its vibrant beauty or cherished for its profound metaphysical properties, Apatite continues to captivate hearts and minds around the world. Embrace the transformative power of Apatite and embark on a journey of self-expression, inspiration, and personal growth, guided by the dynamic energies of this extraordinary gemstone.
