Apatite is a phosphate mineral that comes in yellow, green, blue and even violet, in opaque, translucent and transparent forms. Its name comes from a Greek word meaning to deceive, because it is so often mistaken for other stones such as aquamarine and fluorite. At only 5 on the Mohs scale it is soft, so it is rarely faceted; browse our apatite collection.
The Physical Properties of Apatite
Apatite belongs to a group of phosphate minerals with high concentrations of hydroxide, fluoride, and chloride ions. The very name Apatite means to be misleading or to deceive, because of its tendency to resemble other minerals. In 1860, mineralogist Karl Friedrich August Rammelsberg re-classified it as fluorapatite. There is also a rare form of Apatite that contains many acid phosphate and carbonate substitutions and has most of the OH groups absent is a significant component of the bone material.
Apatite is rarely faceted because of its low rate of 5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. When cut correctly, these stones are bright, transparent to opaque, with intense colors. They have a hexagonal crystal system and will dissolve in hydrochloric acid. Apatite is an index mineral for a hardness of 5 in the Mohs hardness scale and is usually found in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks.
The History of Apatite
Apatite was named in 1786 by the German geologist Abraham Gottlob Werner and is rarely faceted as a gemstone with a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale. It is the primary constituent of tooth enamel, which gives you an idea of how hard it is. There is also apatite-derived fertilizer used in the U.S., and scientists propose to use it in nuclear waste storage. It is an abundant stone found in Mexico, East Africa, Spain, Sweden, Canada, and the Kola Peninsula (Russia).
The Lore of Apatite
Throughout history, apatite was thought to be a stone of inspiration and learning, linked with turning thought into physical results and overcoming fear. It was also associated with extroversion and creativity.
The Metaphysical Properties of Apatite
In crystal lore, apatite is linked with self-confidence, learning, creativity and imagination. It is seen as a stone for realizing that strength of will comes from love and spirituality.
People use apatite during meditation to let go of situations, people and objects that have become useless in their lives. It is associated with reflection, a clearer thought process, balancing yin-yang energies, psychic abilities, openness to the higher self and the rising of Kundalini energy. You can also find it as chips and beads.
Aqua blue apatite is linked in lore with the heart and with a higher level of spiritual guidance. A common practice is to hold an apatite stone before you begin to meditate. Once settled, visualize a problem or person and picture it moving further away, and repeat this once a day for a week. The idea is to feel more in control of emotions that were attached to a person, item or situation.
Stock this in your shop
Apatite comes in blue, green and yellow; see our apatite collection.
Stonebridge Imports is a Canadian crystal wholesaler with no minimum order, shipping from Kitchener, Ontario. Open a wholesale account.
