Many gemstone lovers are fascinated with the ancient lore connected with gemstones, especially in relation to the body. But whatever you might look at the alleged healing powers about gems, there is one gemstone mineral that may be actually produced and used by our body. That mineral is apatite.

While apatite is really a common mineral, gem-quality apatite is very rare. Apatite is known by gemstone connoisseurs especially for two colors: the paraiba-like white green, and the leek-green shade which once earned apatite the particular name ‘asparagus stone. ‘ may very rare deep pink apatite, found in the aptly named Mount Apatite with Maine, USA.

But from the angle of mineralogy, apatite is a group of phosphate minerals, including hydroxylapatite, fluorapatite and even chlorapatite. These vary as per the concentration of hydroxide, fluorine or chlorine ions in the crystal. Hydroxylapatite is the major part of tooth enamel and compensates 70% of our osseous matter.

Apatite-rich rock is also the key source of phosphorus across the world. Phosphorus is an vital chemical in phosphate fertilizers. Phosphorus is as well widely used in explosives, fireworks, pesticides, toothpaste and also detergents.

While tooth enamel may be the hardest material in the skin, apatite is not especially hard in comparison to other gemstones, with a rating of only 5 at the Mohs scale. So apatite jewelry will likely be confined to earrngs together with pendants or occasional dress yourself in rings with protective configuration settings. Apatite is also confidential to heat and acids, so really should not worn when working through chemicals.

When crytals from rutile grow in apatite, the stones may demonstrate the chatoyancy or this cat’s eye effect when gem is cut for a cabochon.

Gem-quality apatite is found in many different places in the environment, including Burma, Brazil and also Mexico. The neon blue-green material can be found chiefly in Madagascar. the moment evaluating an apatite treasure, color saturation is really important, since the more intense made from, the most valuable a gem. Stones over one carat are rare and will eventually command higher prices already in the market. It is unusual to seek out clean apatite; most pieces have at the very least some inclusions.

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