Gems TV

APATITE

While it sounds like it’s hungry, it’s actually trying to fool you! The name Apatite comes from the Greek word “apatao”, meaning “to deceive”, as Apatite has often been confused with gems such as Paraiba Tourmaline, Peridot (Olivine) and Beryl. Ironically, the phosphates in bones and teeth of all vertebrate animals are members of the Apatite group, so the hunger connection is quite appropriate after all!

Legends and lore

Apatite is said to enhance one’s insight, learning abilities and creativity, and to give increased self-confidence. It also is said to help achieve deeper states of meditation. Using Apatite is said to facilitate the desired results when working with other crystals. Apatite is also believed by crystal healers to be useful to help improve one’s coordination, to strengthen muscles, help suppress hunger and to ease hypertension.

Just the facts

Apatite is actually three different minerals depending on the predominance of either fluorine, chlorine or the hydroxyl group: calcium (fluoro, chloro, hydroxyl) phosphate. These ions can freely substitute in the crystal lattice and all three are usually present in every specimen although some specimens are almost 100% pure in one group. Gem quality Apatite is rare, particularly over 1 carat. The colour of Apatite is often due to the presence of rare earth elements. It comes in many colours, including green, yellow, blue, violet, and a yellow-green variety, originally mined in Spain, commonly called “asparagus stone” because of its similarity in colour to the vegetable. Cat’s Eye Apatite is also known to exist.

While Apatite wasn’t unearthed in Madagascar until 1995, the French began working the Fort Dauphin area in the 1930’s after shepherds found some gems. Located in the southeast of Madagascar, practically at the end of the world, Fort Dauphin was established in 1642 and abandoned in 1674 following an 18-month siege by Antanosy tribesmen. It is believed that the famed pirate republic of Libertalia was later established here. The recent finds of Apatite in Madagascar have added to the popularity of this gem. Exhibiting excellent saturation, Madagascan Apatite’s colours range from neon “Emerald” greens (as typified by our Fort Dauphin Apatite) to neon “Paraiba” blues.