Properties
Mineral group: Phosphate
Chemistry: Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)
Usually green, less often colorless, yellow, blue to violet, pink and brown
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Mohs Scale hardness: 5
Refractive index: 1.634 - 1.638
Birefringence: 0.002-0.008
Specific gravity: 3.16 - 3.22
Information
Can be confused with
Andalusite, beryl, sphene, topaz and tourmaline. Synthetic apatite has been known to occur.
Treatments
Heat and irradiation can be used but is not common.
Instruments for identification
Moh scale hardness of only 5 is important data.
Andalusite gives a clear indication in a dichroscope. It should be noted that is also the case with tourmaline and apatite.
Determining the refractive index and birefringence by refractometer is important data.
In it’s various colours, apatite often has inclusions that can be studied with a microscope.
The density should be 3.16-3,23 which clearly differs from several of the gemstones it can be confused with.
Deposits
Brazil, Myanmar, India, several African countries and Sri Lanka
Miscellaneous
The name Apatite comes from the Greek (translated) "I am misleading". Cat’s Eye apatite is a popular form of apatite. The most common use of the mineral apatite is in the ferteliser because of its phosphorus content. Gem quality apatite is generally rare.
Read / learn more about Apatite
Apatite in healing (Source: ChatGPT)
Apatite is a beautiful crystal that comes in colors like blue, green, yellow and sometimes pink. Known for its inspirational and energy-boosting properties, it is often used to enhance communication, creativity and personal growth. Here are some of the healing properties associated with apatite:
1. Promotes Communication and Self-Expression
- Apatite, especially blue apatite, is a powerful stone for the throat chakra and is said to help the wearer express their thoughts and feelings more clearly and confidently. It is useful for those who want to improve their communication skills, both spoken and written.
- Many people use apatite to dare to speak their truth and stand up for their ideas, making it a good crystal for those working in creative or communicative professions.
2. Strengthens Motivation and Focus
- Apatite is believed to increase motivation and the ability to set clear goals. It is also said to promote determination and perseverance, which can be especially useful for those who need to increase their focus on long-term goals.
- The crystal's energizing properties mean that many people use it to avoid procrastination and stay engaged in their work or projects.
3. Stimulates Creativity and Inspiration
- Apatite is known to inspire creative thinking and new ideas. It helps the wearer open up new perspectives and see possibilities that were previously hidden, making it a popular stone for artists, writers and other creative professions.
- Its energy stimulates the imagination and can help the wearer overcome creative resistance and blockages.
4. Emotional Healing and Self-Acceptance
- Apatite is believed to support emotional healing by helping the wearer release old wounds and create space for new emotional experiences. It promotes self-acceptance and helps the wearer forgive both himself and others.
- It can also help resolve emotional blockages and reduce feelings of insecurity or inadequacy, promoting a more balanced and positive view of oneself.
5. Increases Spiritual Awareness and Intuition
- Apatite is often associated with opening up to higher consciousness and intuition, especially in connection with meditation and spiritual work. The energy of blue apatite is said to open the third eye and strengthen the wearer's intuition and spiritual awareness.
- Many use apatite to access their inner guidance and to explore their spiritual journey on a deeper level.
How apatite is used:
Apatite can be worn as a piece of jewelry to take advantage of its inspiring and energy-boosting properties in everyday life. It is often used in meditation to strengthen intuition and spiritual connection and is sometimes placed on the throat chakra or third eye to facilitate communication and inner clarity. Apatite can also be placed on the desk or work surface to promote focus, creativity and motivation.
