Apatite: The Chameleon Gem

For something nicknamed “the asparagus stone”, apatite has many colors and benefits. From golden yellow to brown to blue apatite, the true value lies in its unique properties and modern-day uses. Apatite’s benefits and its role in society are anything but colorless. 

Once difficult to distinguish from other members of its family, apatite holds both value and meaning for those who wear and use this gemstone. From agricultural use to pigmentation and unique collector’s jewelry, apatite continues to bring value beyond its price per carat.

Apatite Colors	Green, blue, brown, purple, yellow, colorless, gray, pink
Zodiac Sign	Gemini
Hardness Scale	5 on Mohs Scale
Mineral Class	Phosphate
Symbolism	Creativity, Insight, Edification, Patience, Respect

What is Apatite 

Apatite is a common mineral, distinguished by its rich concentration of calcium phosphate and trace minerals, such as fluorine and chlorine. As a member of the phosphate family, it has many uses—from spiritual to decorative to agricultural. 

Apatite poses a challenge to jewelry designers because it is brittle. With an indistinct cleavage, apatite breaks by fracture and is difficult to cut. The other challenge is that apatite is relatively soft, with a Mohs hardness rating of just 5 out of 10.

Because of this, apatite doesn’t pose the versatility as many jewelry birthstones. Despite this, blue apatite is used to make cocktail rings, beaded necklaces, and earrings. Skilled jewelry designers sometimes sell faceted blue apatite. 

Of all types of apatite, blue and purple apatite present the highest value. The price of apatite ranges from about $75 to $200 per carat. However, purple apatite from Maine has an average price of $250 per carat. 

What does Apatite look like 

Apatite looks similar to others within the phosphate family. Apatite’s most common natural form is a hexagonal crystal, but it may sometimes present as cylindrical or tubular prisms as well. It’s noteworthy for a vitreous luster. Gems and minerals with a vitreous luster have a gel-like look, composed of minuscule fibers. 

Apatite is available in a wide array of colors. The most common type of apatite is a light or pale green. Purple apatite is the most valuable, followed by blue apatite. Other colors include blue, brown, yellow, pink, purple, gray, and colorless. 

Appearance also varies based on the type of apatite. Apatite consists of several major groups: fluorapatite, chlorapatite, and hydroxylapatite. Nonetheless, all share the same main physical properties, including a vitreous luster. 

History of Apatite 

Apatite comes from the Greek word apatite which translates to “deceive”. That may not seem like an auspicious word, but it has everything to do with the unique process of discovering apatite. Apatite puzzled many when it was discovered in 1788 due to its chameleonic ability to mimic other stones, such as peridot, topaz, aquamarine,  and tourmaline. 

While it was officially identified in 1788;  however, apatite has been used as far back as the 3rd century BCE in China. The Terracotta Army used apatite for pigmentation, while the Qing Dynasty used apatite for decorative plates. 

Today, apatite is often used for healing and symbolic purposes. While much remains unknown about apatite history, it’s clear that it continues to play a role in people’s lives, especially those who believe in its healing benefits. 

Meaning of Apatite 

Apatite’s true value, for many, is its healing properties and benefits. Called by some a stone of manifesting, apatite inspires the user to find their inner truth and fosters a deeper understanding of themselves and others. 

Apatite clears away confusion and negative thought patterns. Doing so removes barriers to creativity, insight, and wisdom. Apatite is a stone of truth and connection. Many also associate it with reverence and patience. That respect extends to both ourselves and others. 

It is also used for physical healing benefits. These include aiding the immune system, improving the lymphatic system, and cleansing both glandular and meridian systems. 

Where does Apatite come from 

Apatite is commonly found in igneous rocks, metamorphic rocks, and sedimentary rocks. As such, it’s quite ubiquitous and is sourced around the world. The most prominent sources of apatite are Mexico, Brazil, and Myanmar. 

However, it’s also found in Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, Madagascar, Mozambique, Norway, India, Spain, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and parts of the United States. Blue apatite— which has the highest value-—is sourced from Madagascar, Brazil, Mexico, Burma, and Northern Russia. 

Apatite crystals form in myriad ways. The most common formation is a hexagonal shape, as well as prismatic. It may also form in larger masses, as tabular plates, or in a stack of parallel constellations. 

Which zodiac sign is Apatite associated with 

Apatite is associated with the Gemini zodiac sign. Just as apatite has a dual nature, so do Geminis. For Geminis, the main benefit of apatite is reducing negative qualities and enhancing strengths. 

Geminis are known for their affable nature, warmth, intelligence, and adaptability. Some of these strengths are shadowed by their weaknesses: indecisiveness, impulsivity, and lack of reliability. Apatite reduces feelings of confusion and over-simulation. 

By doing so, Geminis benefit from reducing their propensity towards indecision and impulsivity. Apatite brings out the best in Geminis by inspiring personal growth and optimizing communication with others. 

Which family is Apatite from

Apatite comes from the phosphate family of minerals. The phosphate group is distinguished by heavy concentrations of phosphate and their isomorphous hexagonal shapes. This family of minerals has widespread commercial use, especially in agriculture.

Members of the phosphate family are used for fertilizers, animal feed, and food additives. Beyond these purposes, phosphate minerals are useful for a variety of cosmetics, fungicides, water treatments, and ceramics. 

Frequently asked questions about Apatite