Apatite

Overview
Apatite is mineral found in many different parts of the world. It is not a well known gemstone, and actually has more uses outside the field of jewelry. Apatite is a soft stone, but can be very brittle. Apatite is most commonly green, but can sometimes be found in other colors.

About the Stone

Apatite is a mineral that sits at a five on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. Most commonly seen in green tones, it can also bee found in yellows, pinks, browns, violets, and blues. Apatite crystals typically grow in hexagonal (six sided) shapes.

The name apatite is derived from Greek meaning "to deceive" likely because it was often mistaken for other, more valuable gemstones, like peridot, tourmaline, and emerald. Apatite is found in igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock, but only the latter grows larger crystals suitable for jewelry.

Apatite is found in many different parts of the world: Eastern Canada, Germany, India, Madagascar, Brazil, Burma, Mexico, Czechoslovakia, Mozambique, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, and the United States. Apatite is sometimes ground up and used as fertilizer for tobacco plants.

Metaphysical Powers of Apatite

Apatite, while not incredibly well known, is believed to have numerous metaphysical benefits. People believe apatite encourages communication, concentration, and clarity. It increases self confidence, helps with meditation, and eases hypertension. Apatite is also believed to encourage insight, enhance your learning abilities, and improves coordination.

Apatite has been used in dieting to suppress hunger and strengthen the muscles.

Apatite in Jewelry

Because apatite is so soft, a lot of people will lean away from putting apatite in jewelry. However, if a setting is carefully chosen, the result is a beautiful piece that can last a lifetime. When shopping for apatite, remember that the more intense the color, the more it is worth.