apatite |
(AP-uh_tite)
|
BUYER’S OVERVIEW:
Apatite is considered to be a semi-precious gemstone. While not abundant in nature, Apatite is not rare and good size stones are available. Apatite is available in a wide range of naturally occurring colors with paraiba colored Apatite currently being the most sought after as it mimics the appearance of Paraiba Tourmaline, typically at a much lower cost. Apatite often exhibits the phenomena of Chatoyancy (a striking three dimensional effect typically seen in tiger eye quartz).
COLOR:
Apatite comes in a wide range of colors including; yellow, green, violet, purple, blue, pink, brown and colorless.
APPEARANCE:
Transparent to translucent Apatite is a Type II gemstone, usually included. Almost all Apatite will have visible inclusions. Eye clean gems are very rare.
Phenomena: Apatite often exhibits the phenomena of Chatoyancy, a striking three dimensional effect typically seen in tiger eye quartz.
SIZE RANGE:
1 to 20 carats.
POSSIBLE ENHANCEMENTS & TREATMENTS:
Blue gems are heat treated it improve color. This treatment is undetectable and has excellent stability. All other colors are untreated.
HARDNESS:
5 on the Mohs scale.
BEST USE OF THE GEMSTONE:
Apatite is not a strong gemstone and as such, earrings, pendants, pins, and tie tacks are probably the safest choice for this stone. Rings should be limited to occasional wear pieces with protective settings.
CARE & CLEANING:
It is best to never expose colored gemstones to cleaning solvents or chemicals of any kind.
Common cleaning methods include:
Ultrasonic: never
Steamer: never (very heat sensitive)
Warm soapy water: safe
Reaction to Chemicals: can be damaged by acids.
Reaction to Heat: very heat sensitive, stone will lose or change color.
Stability to Light: some pink stones may fade after prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV light.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THIS GEMSTONE:
The name Apatite originates from the Greek word Apatao, meaning “to deceive”. Often confused with other gems the name seems to fit. Currently this imposter is in high demand for its likeness to the prized paraiba Tourmaline. The color of Apatite is due to the presence of rare Earth elements. The mineral Apatite is quite common, however, gem quality specimens are scarce especially over 1 carat.
The paraiba color was first discovered in 1995 at the Ankadilalana Mine in Madagascar. Connoisseurs also look for the rare leek-green known as ‘asparagus stone’. Deep purple, (found on Mount Apatite in Maine, USA),violet and reddish colors are also sought after. The blue variety known as ‘moroxite’ is typically heat-treated to enhance the color.
Apatite comes in a very rare cat’s eye, chatoyant form which is cut in a cabochon to show the “eye”. The cat’s eye is found in yellowish green and gold color.
DESIGNATION:
This gem as a long history but has no traditions currently associated with it.
Apatite is considered to be a semi-precious gemstone. While not abundant in nature, Apatite is not rare and good size stones are available. Apatite is available in a wide range of naturally occurring colors with paraiba colored Apatite currently being the most sought after as it mimics the appearance of Paraiba Tourmaline, typically at a much lower cost. Apatite often exhibits the phenomena of Chatoyancy (a striking three dimensional effect typically seen in tiger eye quartz).
COLOR:
Apatite comes in a wide range of colors including; yellow, green, violet, purple, blue, pink, brown and colorless.
APPEARANCE:
Transparent to translucent Apatite is a Type II gemstone, usually included. Almost all Apatite will have visible inclusions. Eye clean gems are very rare.
Phenomena: Apatite often exhibits the phenomena of Chatoyancy, a striking three dimensional effect typically seen in tiger eye quartz.
SIZE RANGE:
1 to 20 carats.
POSSIBLE ENHANCEMENTS & TREATMENTS:
Blue gems are heat treated it improve color. This treatment is undetectable and has excellent stability. All other colors are untreated.
HARDNESS:
5 on the Mohs scale.
BEST USE OF THE GEMSTONE:
Apatite is not a strong gemstone and as such, earrings, pendants, pins, and tie tacks are probably the safest choice for this stone. Rings should be limited to occasional wear pieces with protective settings.
CARE & CLEANING:
It is best to never expose colored gemstones to cleaning solvents or chemicals of any kind.
Common cleaning methods include:
Ultrasonic: never
Steamer: never (very heat sensitive)
Warm soapy water: safe
Reaction to Chemicals: can be damaged by acids.
Reaction to Heat: very heat sensitive, stone will lose or change color.
Stability to Light: some pink stones may fade after prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV light.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THIS GEMSTONE:
The name Apatite originates from the Greek word Apatao, meaning “to deceive”. Often confused with other gems the name seems to fit. Currently this imposter is in high demand for its likeness to the prized paraiba Tourmaline. The color of Apatite is due to the presence of rare Earth elements. The mineral Apatite is quite common, however, gem quality specimens are scarce especially over 1 carat.
The paraiba color was first discovered in 1995 at the Ankadilalana Mine in Madagascar. Connoisseurs also look for the rare leek-green known as ‘asparagus stone’. Deep purple, (found on Mount Apatite in Maine, USA),violet and reddish colors are also sought after. The blue variety known as ‘moroxite’ is typically heat-treated to enhance the color.
Apatite comes in a very rare cat’s eye, chatoyant form which is cut in a cabochon to show the “eye”. The cat’s eye is found in yellowish green and gold color.
DESIGNATION:
This gem as a long history but has no traditions currently associated with it.