The variety of colors, shades, and shapes of gems that nature has created can enchant with its mysterious power. Among these minerals is Apatite. Mesmerizing natural stone is a luxury item and a profitable way to invest capital. The crystal also serves as a source of inspiration for creators, a working material for jewelers, and an object of research for scientists.
| Opening year: | 1788 – first scientific description of apatite |
| Title in English: | Apatite |
| Category: | semiprecious |
| Group of stones: | mineral, class phosphates |
| Chemical formula (composition): | Ca10(PO4)6(OH, F, Cl)2 |
| Color: | red, pink, yellow, brown, blue, green, dash color – white |
| Transparency: | transparent, some specimens with turbidity |
| Shine: | glassy, greasy |
| Syngony: | hexagonal |
| Hardness: | on the Mohs scale – 5-5.5 |
| Density: | 3.2–3.5 g/cm3 |
| Cleavage: | imperfect |
| Kink: | conchoidal |
| Morphology: | prismatic pre-acicular crystals, tabular forms |
| Stone price: | $2-3 per carat |
| Zodiac sign: | Leo, Aries, Sagittarius |
General information and history of the origin of the Apatite stone
Translated from ancient Greek, apatite means deception . This is natural, since the German mineralogist A. Wegner, who described the gem, initially believed that it was beryl, and therefore, according to this, he named it that way. The stone can be called a “chameleon”, as it can be visually mistaken for more valuable minerals.
In Russia, apatite has its own history of origin. The outstanding Soviet mineralogist A. Fersman, who led the expedition in 1920, explored the Khibiny mountain range, located on the Kola Peninsula, to identify phosphorus for the production of fertilizers. There he discovered deposits of green apatite. After 30 years, a new city was built on this territory, which was named Apatity.
Application
This is the most common phosphate on the planet. Most of the mined mineral is used to produce phosphorus and phosphoric acid. In its pure form it is used in metallurgy. Strontium is obtained from certain types of mineral.
Application examples:
- production of superphosphate fertilizers;
- in foundry production they are used to impart fluidity to the material. This way the mass fills the mold better;
- porcelain making;
- production of phosphor glass, which transmits ultraviolet rays;
- production of fire-resistant glass that blocks infrared rays;
- production of incendiary substances: explosives, matches, fuel;
- component of anti-corrosion materials;
- component of toothpaste;
- one of the components of dishwashing detergent;
- water softener and descaling agent;
- salts of phosphoric acid - flavor enhancer in baked goods;
- fireproof wood impregnation.
This is not a complete list. It is used by about a hundred industries. But 82% of the extracted raw materials are used to make fertilizers.
Photo and appearance
Apatite is one of the ancient minerals. It looks like a crystal, similar to precious gems. Its druses can weigh hundreds of kilograms and grow up to several meters. There are three varieties:
- Hydroxoapatite is a dense mineral of pale colors of several shades.
- Chloropatite is a gemstone that has a glassy luster and a varied palette of colors due to impurities.
- Fluorapatite is a mineral of various tones, due to the content of additional elements.
Not all samples have jewelry value. Only small-sized transparent apatite is used to make jewelry.
Do you already have such a stone?
Description
Official descriptions of the stone are published in geological reference books. Apatites are a large mineral group of varieties that are close to each other in chemical components. They consist of calcium phosphate and impurities that determine the shade of the specimen. Pure ones are almost colorless. The blue tint is explained by manganese, lead, yellow - by iron.
Apatite looks attractive in photos, but in real life it is even more beautiful due to its luminescent qualities. The color of the specimen varies somewhat, depending on the lighting angle and viewing angle.
The rock is practically not used in the jewelry industry due to its low hardness.
This is a stone of manifestation. It symbolizes service to goodness, love for people, personifies the future and the past. The breed stimulates human qualities, abilities, personal and spiritual growth. Useful for meditation and self-expression.
Apatite - ornamental stone
Field and production
Apatite is distributed throughout the planet. At the same time, in each locality, crystals of a specific type and color are developed:
- In Russia and Finland, stones that have a blue tint are mined.
- In Canada and India - green.
- Sea wave gems are found in Norway. These specimens are distinguished by their transparency and fascinating designs that can be admired from the inside. Outwardly they look like malachite.
- Mexico boasts a deposit of brown apatite.
- Beautiful pink minerals are concentrated in the Pamir and Baikal mountains.
- Colorless, unique purple stones are found in Italy.
- Sri Lanka, Myanmar is proud of crystals with the “cat's eye” effect.
Although deposits of the mineral are located all over the planet, there are almost no mines that allow the gem to be mined on an industrial scale.
Apatite-nepheline ore, Khibiny
Varieties of color
The color of apatite directly depends on what impurities are included in its composition. For example, a nepheline rock will be significantly different from the rest. The presence of manganese, iron and hepatitis in the stone is reflected in its shade.
The following color varieties are distinguished:
- blue apatite;
- green;
- yellow;
- blue apatite;
- violet;
- pink;
- red;
- brown;
- light green;
- grey.
At the end of the last century, an unusual mineral was discovered - neon apatite.
Its shade is very similar to the color of one of the most expensive crystals in the world - Paraiba tourmaline.
Magical properties of the mineral
Apatite allows the owner to prevent difficult situations. It indicates danger by redness and irritation of the skin at the point of contact of the body with the mineral.
Stone magic:
- Brings prophetic dreams.
- Mobilizes insight.
- Protects against negative energy influences.
- Helps achieve harmony within.
- Strengthens intuitive awareness of danger.
- Neutralizes the negative energy of envious people and competitors.
The magical properties of apatite make it a popular gem, which has powerful energy in the direction of mysticism.
For women
The stone will protect women from empty worries and worries . It will help you make the right choice in work, business and life, which you will never regret. The natural energy of the stone will diversify their life and endow it with new positive emotions.
For men
If a man has a profession where there is a high threat to life, then apatite will provide them with prudence. When worn constantly, the risk of getting into unpleasant situations will be reduced . The gem will also relieve indecision, strengthen the spirit and give firmness. Therapeutic effects on humans
Nature is generous to people and presents such valuable gifts as apatite. Natural gem helps improve health. The stone is actively used in lithotherapy, as its healing power is capable of:
- Normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Stimulate the activity of the heart and blood vessels, prevent heart attacks and strokes.
- Cure pathologies of the organs of vision.
- Relieve joint diseases (arthritis, arthrosis).
- Activate bone healing after fractures.
- Restore the balance of vital energy associated with a violation of internal harmony.
- Get out of depression, overcome stress, relieve depressed mood.
If the stone has suddenly become dull, the owner needs to undergo a thorough examination. Apatite is an excellent health indicator that can promptly indicate illness.
How and who is recommended to wear Apatite stone
Astrologers classify apatite as a benevolent mineral for all zodiac signs. Before using it as a reliable amulet, you need to find out how and who is recommended to wear it and study its effect on the owner.
The main thing to consider is that Apatite quickly interacts with its owner. Therefore, the mineral cannot be given to anyone. In this case, the stone may lose all its magical and healing properties.
Zodiac sign
Apatite combines best with the signs of the fire element: Aries , Leo , Sagittarius . It helps them get rid of insecurity, enhances their natural character traits, gives strength and vitality.
for fish not to come into contact with the mineral. It makes them drowsy and unable to control the situation.
The rest of the signs will receive only positive things from the stone:
| Zodiac sign | Influence |
| Aquarius | Will relieve depression, nervous breakdown, anxiety, restlessness. |
| Capricorn | It will give happiness and good luck, fill life with meaning. |
| Scorpion | Will make him more friendly and attentive. |
| Scales | It will show you the right path and help you find yourself and find harmony in your soul. |
| Virgo | It will give positive emotions, protect against negativity, ensure well-being, stability, and help overcome doubt and fear. |
| Twins | Will protect you from danger, wrong decisions and accidents. |
| Cancer | It will protect you from instability, uncertainty, and inconsistency that prevent you from achieving your own goal. |
| Taurus | Heal from diseases, smooth out harsh character traits. |
Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?
It is worth understanding what significance apatite has for the zodiac signs and who it is suitable for according to the horoscope:
- Pisces is the only sign that is not recommended to wear this stone. Under its influence they become uninitiative and lethargic.
- Aries - the best character traits are revealed in them, and the negative ones disappear.
- Taurus - get rid of characteristic stubbornness, become wise and prudent.
- Gemini - begin to see prophetic dreams, acquire the gift of providence.
- Cancers become strong, influential and independent, and deal more easily with problems that arise.
- Leos reveal their talents to the fullest, without fear of condemnation.
- Virgos - get rid of melancholy and sad thoughts, become easy to communicate and stop criticizing others.
- Libra - they stop doubting everything, get rid of slowness and apathy, and gain determination.
- Scorpios become kinder and more restrained, they begin to understand people well.
- Sagittarius - get rid of torment and doubt.
- Capricorns - the amulet protects them from making mistakes.
- Aquarians – become less excitable and nervous.
What stones and metals is it compatible with?
In order for jewelry to benefit the owner, you need to pay attention to color harmony and energy compatibility of minerals. Apatite can be worn with diamonds, aquamarine, and rock crystal.
Due to its lack of strength, it is recommended to use it only for jewelry that is not intended for frequent wear. These could be earrings, a necklace, cufflinks.
The gem is not very suitable for rings and bracelets, as there is a risk of constant impacts. As a rule, such products are framed with silver and cupronickel.
Artificial analogues of Apatite, how to distinguish it from natural stone
A known artificial analogue of apatite is trilumite, its production has been established on an industrial scale.
The appearance of apatite resembles many minerals (aquamarine, diopside, amethyst, beryl, topaz, tourmaline). These minerals are more expensive than apatite, so the gem can be used as an imitation of them. But they also make apatite, trying to sell glass instead of natural stone.
To distinguish a fake, you need to be guided by the following signs:
- Natural stone, unlike fakes, is always cold. If you hold it in your hands, it will not heat up immediately, this will allow you to distinguish it from glass.
- The weight of natural stone is heavier than plastic or glass jewelry.
- Availability of unique patterns. The surface of apatite is heterogeneous and has an original pattern.
An independent examination will not give guarantees; for a more accurate determination, it is better to contact a professional.
Mineral care
When purchasing jewelry with apatite, you should not forget that the mineral has low hardness and fragility. Therefore, product owners need to handle the stone with care.
Tips for caring for your gem:
- Limit the proximity of the mineral to chemical, cosmetic, and medicinal products.
- Protect from mechanical stress and sudden temperature changes.
- Wash regularly with warm water and wipe with a soft cloth.
- Cleanse with salt 2-3 times a month so that the amulet does not lose its properties.
- Store the crystal by wrapping it in soft cloth or placing it in a special bag, away from other gems and jewelry.
- Remove jewelry when performing any housework or playing sports.
Following simple rules will preserve the pristine beauty of apatite and its sparkling luxury will not fade over the years.
Price
The cost of apatite ranges from 600 to 24,000 rubles. The price is determined by the degree of processing, weight, transparency and the metal from which the frame is made.
It is recommended to buy apatites at specialized auctions, where each product has a quality certificate confirming its authenticity. Jewelry inlaid with apatite should be found in branded jewelry stores.
Apatite is an extremely unusual stone. He is distinguished by his special devotion and power of energetic influence. When purchasing jewelry with a stone, be sure that you will be satisfied with its beauty and the benefits it will serve you.
What color of apatite would you choose? Share your opinion in the comments and repost on social networks.
