Apatite
About Apatite
The stone that confused scientists - its name comes from Greek apate (deceit) because it was often mistaken for other minerals. Blue apatite from Madagascar is the most popular variety. It is relatively soft and best suited for earrings and pendants rather than rings. Asparagus stone is a yellow-green variety. Chatoyant apatite produces cats eye cabochons. It is an important source of phosphorus for fertilizer. Over 30 species in the group. It is found in igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Neon blue-green apatite from Brazil can resemble Paraiba tourmaline.
Related Gemstones
Turquoise
One of the first gemstones ever mined - Sin ais turquoise mines in Egypt date back to 3000...
Variscite
Often confused with turquoise but is greener and lacks the matrix patterns. Utah and Nevad...
Apatite (Neon)
The most vividly colored apatite comes from Madagascar, displaying a neon paraiba-like blu...