Apatite

Apatite is a group of phosphate minerals that are highly valued for their intense, electric colors. While it is too soft for most high-wear jewelry, its stunning 'Paraiba-like' blues and deep forest greens make it a favorite among collectors. The name is derived from the Greek word 'apate', meaning 'to deceive', because it was frequently mistaken for other minerals like tourmaline or peridot.

Formation & Geology

Apatite is the most common phosphate mineral and is found in virtually all types of rocks: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary. It is often found as small crystals in granites or as large masses in magnetite deposits. It is also the primary mineral in the teeth and bones of all vertebrate animals, including humans.

Physical Characteristics

Apatite is the defining mineral for a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale. It has a vitreous luster and can be transparent to opaque. When cut as gemstones, it can exhibit cat's-eye chatoyancy. Its most famous variety is the neon 'electric blue' apatite from Madagascar, which rivals the color of rare Paraiba tourmaline.

Industrial Use

Beyond its use as a gemstone, apatite is a critical industrial mineral. It is the primary source of phosphorus for the global fertilizer industry. It is also used in the production of phosphoric acid and various chemical compounds. In the field of biology, hydroxyapatite is studied for its role in bone graft materials and dental research.

Biological Importance

Apatite is not just a pretty stone; it is the mineral that makes up your body! Hydroxyapatite, a form of this mineral, is the primary component of tooth enamel and bone mineral. In geology, it is the most abundant phosphate mineral and is critical for dating rocks (fission track dating) and as a source of phosphorus for fertilizer.