Apatite Jewelry
A phosphate mineral best known for its electric blue-green stones. Beautiful but soft, so wear with care
Unearthed Gemstones Apatite Jewelry
Click the photos for a closer look of the jewelry pieces
Hardness
5 (Medium): Wear with care; This gemstone can dull over time.
Toughness
Poor (Fragile — Can chip or break easily; Treat gently and store separately)
Mineral Family
Apatite (Phosphate)
Transparency
Transparent to Translucent
Crystal System
Hexagonal
Lustre
Vitreous
What Is Apatite?
Apatite is a calcium phosphate mineral, and fun fact, it is the same mineral family your teeth and bones are made of. Its name comes from the Greek word for deceive, because it was so often mistaken for other gems. As a gemstone it comes in a gorgeous range of colours, but the star is the electric blue-green material from Madagascar, which can rival far pricier stones. Brazil and Mexico are other well-known sources, and some stones even show a cat's-eye effect when cut as cabochons.
Is Apatite Durable Enough for Everyday Jewelry?
At Mohs 5, apatite is on the softer side and it is also brittle, so it needs a gentle life. It is best in earrings and pendants rather than everyday rings. Faceted stones show off its bright colour beautifully.
How to Care for Apatite Jewelry
Clean it only with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth, and store it away from harder stones that could scratch it. Skip ultrasonic and steam cleaners entirely, and take it off before sport, gardening or housework.
Gemstones Similar to Apatite
For blue apatite, these stones share its dreamy blue tones, though apatite is noticeably softer than aquamarine or topaz.
