Do You Know?

Apatite is not one single mineral. Instead, it's a group of closely related mineral including chlorapatite, fluorapatite, and hydroxylapatite.

Care

As it's relatively soft and brittle, avoid physical activities and wear it with care.

Transparency

Transparent - Translucent

Luster

Vitreous

Apatite

Locales

India, Tanzania, Brazil, China, Mexico, Mozambique, Colombia and more

Hardness

5
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
9
9
10
10

Treatment

Usually not treated, but sometimes heat treated to improve colours

Interesting Fact

The name "apatite" comes from the Greek word "apate," which means "to deceive." It's because apatite can have a similar appearance to other more valuable gems like tourmaline, peridot and beryl.

Chemical Formula

Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)

Composition

calcium phosphate with fluorine, chlorine or hydroxyl

Colours

Blue
Yellow
Purple
Brown
Green
Pink