Apatite

About

Apatite Crystals Apatite is a group of calcium phosphate minerals with the general formula Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,Cl,OH), crystallizing in the hexagonal system. The most common gem variety is fluorapatite, prized for its vivid blue-green to teal color that rivals the finest Paraiba tourmalines at a fraction of the cost. Apatite registers 5 on the Mohs hardness scale — in fact, it is the mineral that defines 5 on the Mohs scale, making it the benchmark for medium hardness. Notable sources include Madagascar, Brazil, Mexico, Myanmar, and Canada. Apatite's name comes from the Greek apatao , meaning "to deceive," because its wide range of colors and crystal habits historically caused it to be confused with beryl, tourmaline, and other minerals. Beyond its role as a collectible, apatite is the primary mineral component of biological tooth enamel and bone — making it one of the few minerals humans literally carry in their bodies. Collectors value apatite for its electric, neon-like blue and green tones, which are exceptionally saturated in fine specimens from Madagascar. It also occurs in yellow, purple, and colorless varieties. Available forms include tumbled stones , palm stones, polished freeforms, towers , bracelets , and raw crystal specimens. For blue-green stone comparisons, see our chrysocolla and labradorite collections. Free shipping on orders $150+. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What is apatite and why is it called the deceptive mineral?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Apatite is a group of calcium phosphate minerals with the formula Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH). Its name comes from the Greek word apatao meaning to deceive because its wide range of colors and crystal habits historically caused it to be mistaken for beryl, tourmaline, and other minerals. The most common gem variety is fluorapatite, prized for vivid blue-green to teal colors. Apatite defines hardness 5 on the Mohs scale."}},{"@type":"Question"