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Jamming Gems Apatite Info
Apatite
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General Information:
The name apatite comes from the Greek word to deceive because the gem varieties
were often confused with other minerals. The gem is not used in jewelry often,
and fairly unknown to the public, which has made it a favorite among
collectors. In the past, apatite was used as a source of phosphate in
fertilizer. Because the gem is not relatively hard, it is only ideal for use in
earrings, pendants, and brooches, if used in a ring extra care must be taken
not to damage the gem.
Apatite (Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)) is a common accessory mineral in many types of
metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary rocks. The largest apatite deposits are
associated with alkalic rocks; also the phosphates in bones and teeth are
members of the apatite group. Apatite can be found in a variety of colors
including; green, blue-green, yellow, brown, and violet. Recently, Madagascar
apatite has made the gem more popular with its stunning neon blue-green color.
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Origin:
Apatites are found in Brazil, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar
(Burma), Norway, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), South Africa and the United States. |
Common Treatments and Lab Created
Forms:
While green apatite is usually untreated, blue apatite is generally heat
treated to enhance its color. There is no lab created apatite, but there are a
few different simulants available that resembles the color of fine apatite.
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Physical Properties:
Moh's Scale Hardness: 5
Specific Gravity: 3.15 - 3.20
Refractive Index: 1.63 - 1.64
Fracture: uneven, brittle
Crystal system: hexagonal
Colors: usually in shades of yellow, green or brown, more rarely colorless,
violet or blue
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