Apatte
$499.95
Item number:
2
Apatte From Madagascar .66 CT
Apatite is a vibrant, budget-friendly phosphate mineral famous for its striking neon-blue, teal, and yellow hues. Because its appearance closely resembles gems like beryl, tourmaline, and peridot, it gets its name from the Greek word apatao, meaning "to deceive". It is highly prized by collectors for its brilliant colors.
Key Specifications
- Colors: Electric blue, "swimming pool" turquoise, tropical green, and golden yellow.
- Hardness: 5 on the Mohs scale.
- Crystal System: Hexagonal.
- Refractive Index: 1.634–1.638.
- Major Sources: Madagascar, Brazil, Myanmar, and Mexico.
Jewelry & Wearability Considerations
Due to its lower hardness (5) and brittle nature, apatite is quite soft compared to traditional gemstones like sapphire or quartz.
- Best Uses: Earrings, pendants, brooches, and pins.
- Ring Settings: Not recommended for everyday wear unless designed with highly protective bezel settings.
- Care: Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals, and heat. Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth.
Market & Varieties
While apatite is relatively soft, its neon-blue and blue-green varieties from Madagascar and Brazil are highly sought-after as affordable alternatives to Paraiba tourmaline. Prices vary based on saturation and cut.
- Faceted Gems: Small faceted stones or beads can be quite budget-friendly, while premium multi-carat stones can cost hundreds of dollars.
- Optical Effects: Rare specimens can exhibit chatoyancy (a cat's-eye effect) or fluorescence.
Explore faceted stones, cabochons, or raw specimens on our website Dig-it-mining.com