Apatite is the most abundant phosphate on earth and is the material that makes up our bones and teeth. It is also the main source of elemental phosphorus required by the plant kingdom, as well as for the production of toothpaste, fertilizers, fireworks, detergents, and pesticides. Furthermore, despite its relatively low hardness (5.0), large apatite crystals are also occasionally fashioned into both faceted and cabochon-cut chatoyant gemstones, with the latter’s optical effect caused by the presence of fine, needle-like rutile inclusions within a stone.
Due to the fact that its crystals are found in almost every basic hue, apatite is able to mimic many other, often more valuable, gem varieties such as paraiba tourmaline. In fact, the name is derived from the Greek word meaning “deceit” for this very reason.
Characteristics of Apatite
- Hardness: 5
- Transparency: Transparent
- Chemical composition: Ca5(PO4)3(F,OH, Cl)3
- Phenomena: chantoyancy
- Refractive index:1.598-1.667
- Inclusions: aled fractures, hollow growth tubes
Benefits of Apatite
Apatite is a stone of manifestation. It is related to service and to humanitarian pursuits. Apatite is attuned to the future, yet connects to past lives. It stimulates the development of our psychic gifts and spiritual attunement, deepening meditation and aiding communication and self-expression on all levels. It balances the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies, and the chakras, eliminating overactivity and stimulating underactivity.
Psychologically, Apatite increases motivation. It draws off negativity about oneself and others. It is helpful for hyperactivity and autism in children. Apatite enhances creativity and intellect. It clears confusion and frustration, reducing irritability and awakening the inner self. Apatite expands knowledge and truth and eases sorrow, apathy, and anger.
Physically, Apatite aids in the absorption of calcium, helping cartilage, bones and teeth; healing bones and encouraging the formation of new cells. It improves arthritis and joint problems. Apatite can successfully help in suppressing hunger and raising the metabolic rate, encouraging healthy eating. It heals the glands, meridians, organs and overcomes hypertension.
Blue Apatite opens the throat chakra. It enhances communication in groups and facilitates public speaking. It heals the heart and emotions. Blue Apatite connects to a very high level of spiritual guidance.
Yellow Apatite activates the solar plexus chakra. It is a great eliminator of toxins and draws off stagnant energy. Yellow Apatite treats depression and lethargy and can overcome a lack of concentration and inefficient learning. It aids poor digestion and helps to remove cellulite, treats the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and spleen. Emotionally, it neutralises stored anger.
Sources
Apatite is an abundant stone and is found in many other countries including the Kola Peninsula in Russia, and various locations in Canada, East Africa, Sweden, Spain, and Mexico. A yellowish-green variety of Apatite found in Spain is often called the asparagus stone because of its color.
Care Instruction
To ensure the best cleaning methods to protect your apatite, wash the stone with warm soapy water. Ultrasonic cleaning is definitely a risky process with this stone. In general, be sure to avoid exposure of the stone to acids, high heat and rough wear. Be careful with your stone, as it may lose or change color in heat. Exposure to a lot of light may fade some pink stones, although other colors are usually tolerant to it. Be extra careful to avoid any scratches or situations where the stone might risk being in risk with any kind of hard blows that might crack or chip it. It would be best to keep your apatite jewelry in a separate compartment of your jewelry case, and also wrap it with a soft cloth to avoid contact with anything that might scratch it. If you need to have the item repaired or remounted, make sure you advise your jeweler that the stone is fragile and requires specific handling and care.