Apatite is a naturally occurring beautiful gemstone. While it is known for its asparagus green hues, apatite actually can be found in a wide variety of colors ranging from colorless to pink, yellow, blue and violet. On Mohs’ scale of hardness, apatite is 5. Apatite has a vitreous luster and primary sources include Burma (Myanmar), Brazil, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Norway, Sri Lanka, South Africa and the United States.
Color
Apatite comes in a variety of colors, ranging from yellow to green, white, brown, neon blue, brown or light purple. The more intense the color, the higher the cost of the apatite. The best stones will be almost a neon greenish blue with a clean clarity.
                   
Luster
It has a vitreous luster and is sensitive to acids.
Hardness
Apatite is a soft stone, so jewelry using apatite is too fragile for everyday. When set carefully, it offers years of beauty for the wearer.
History
The name apatite comes from the Greek word “apate,” meaning “to deceive,” because it can be easily confused for a variety of other stones such as tourmaline, peridot and beryl.
Uses
A common phosphate mineral, apatite is the main source of phosphorous required by plants, the source material for bones and teeth, an essential ingredient in phosphate fertilizers, and is very important in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries
Lore
Some believe apatite fosters communication, concentration, clarity of thought and intellect.
Apatite can be found in Burma, Brazil, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Norway, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and the United States.
Due to its softness, apatite most often appears as a collector stone, but some apatite jewelry is available.
Preserving the beauty of gemstones is usually a matter of common sense and simple precaution. Maintenance most often involves properly cleaning jewelry pieces or keeping them out of harm’s way.
Periodically take time to clean your jewelry.
Gems, particularly those in rings, will collect soap film, oil and dirt between the prongs of the mounting and the gem. By cleaning your gemstones with warm water, a soft toothbrush and a gentle dishwashing liquid, you can restore lost luster and brilliance to gems and keep them looking like new. Jewelry TelevisionTM offers a few cleaning products that may be helpful. (Note: Normal care for pearls includes rinsing and gently patting dry with a soft clean cloth after wear). For specific gemstone details, see our Gemstone Enhancement Chart.
Avoid wearing gems during strenuous exercise.
A random blow can damage the beauty of a gem. To prevent breakage, store gemstone jewelry in a safe place while engaging in activities where there's a possibility of hitting the stone.
Do not handle jewelry by the stone.
Grasping jewelry by the gem can loosen a stone in its setting and create a risk of eventual loss.
Store gemstones separately.
Gems that are harder than others will scratch softer stones if they come into contact with each other.
|
|