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Gemstone
Apatite
Group of
Phoshate Minerals
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Colour:-
usually green, less often colorless, yellow, blue to violet, pink, brown.
Moh's Hardness
    5
Transparency
Transparent to opaqe
Refractive Index

1.628 - 1.649

Double Refraction:-

-0.002 to -0.006

Density / Specific Gravity

3.16 - 3.23

Crystal System

Hexagonal


Chemical Composition

Calcium Phosphate


Fluorescence


Strong

Deposits

Myanmar, Brazil, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Norway, Sri Lanka, South Africa & United States

Legends


The name apatite comes from a Greek word "apatos," meaning deception, which alludes to the mineral’s similarity with other more valuable minerals. Specimens are found from transparent to opaque, apatite ranks 5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It is generally found in metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary rocks.

Apatite's properties are believed to relieve hypertension as well as suppress hunger. It is also believed to boost confidence and aid in meditation. Others wear it to enhance creativity and assist in retaining knowledge.

The relative softness of apatite prevents wide distribution in the jewelry market. Please note that care must be taken in the wearing and caring of your apatite jewelry. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners and hitting the piece on hard surfaces, as apatite is widely known for its sensitivity to heat and vulnerability to shock.




Extra


Apatite is infrequently used as a gemstone. Transparent stones of clean color have been faceted, and chatoyant specimens have been cabochon cut. Chatoyant stones are known as cat's-eye apatite, transparent green stones are known as asparagus stone, and blue stones have been called moroxite. Crystals of rutile may have grown in the crystal of apatite so when in the right light, the cut stone displays a cat's eye effect.



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