Apatite

Gemstone : Apatite Birthstone Month : The Apatite gemstone is not associated with any particular birthstone month. Zodiac : Apatite is one of the accepted birthstones associated with the zodiac sign Gemini. Chemical Symbol : Ca5(PO4)3(OH,F,Cl) Chemical Make-up : Apatite is made up of basic Fluoro-Calcium, Chloro-Calcium and Hydroxyl Phosphate minerals. History & Lore : The word Apatite is derived from the Greek word apate, meaning to decieve. This was primarily due to the fact that Apatite was often mistaken for rarer, more valuable gemstones such as Beryl, Olivine and Peridot. Apatite falls into two categories, Chlor-Apetite (Chloro-Calcium), and Flour-Apetite (Flouro—Calcium). Apatite enhances the wearers learning abilities, self-confidence and creativity. In addition to this, Apatite is an aid to achieving a deeper state of meditation and to increasing insightfulness. Apatite eases hypertension and decreases hunger, or “appetite”. In addition to this, Apatite is said to be a good gemstone for unblocking any of the chakras. Availability : Apatite is a commonly occuring gemstone, with supply easily meeting current demand, ensuring that Apatite is a low to moderately priced gemstone, with per Carat prices ranging in the region of US$75 – US$250 depending upon coloration.

Sources : There are known Apatite desposits in Algeria, Austria, Burma (Myanmar), Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Germany, India, Israel, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Sweden, Tunisia and the United States (California, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana). Evaluation : Apatite is rated at 5 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness. Apatite can be worn every day in brooches, earrings and pendants, but it is generally considered too soft to be worn daily in a ring. Apatite can be found in many colors, including, blue, brown, colorless, green, pink, purple, red, violet and yellow. There is also a “Cat's Eye” Apatite. Brown, green and yellow are the commonly occuring colors, with blue, colorless, pibk, red, violet, and the most recently discovered neon blue-green examples being the rarest and therefore most valuable Apatite colors. When buying Apatite gemstones, the two most impotant factors to consider are color and clarity. Gemstones with good color saturation and few inclusions are inherently more valuable and command higher per Carat prices. Common Cuts : Apatites are cut into most of the commonly recognized and used gemstone shapes / cuts. Routine Enhancements : Apatite gemstones do not normally require treatment. Those that do however are usually heat treated or irridated so as to improve the stone's color and appearance. Care & Cleaning : Apatite is particularly sensitive to abrasives, chemicals, heat, ammonia and acids. Ultrasonic cleaners and steamers should also be avoided. Apatite is best cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Apatite jewelry should be stored on its own in a lined jewelry box, away from harder jewelry, which may cause scratches or abrasions.