Apatite: meaning, colours, properties, care and how to choose

What is apatite?

Apatite is a family name: it refers to a group of calcium phosphates, with the general formula Ca5(PO4)3(OH,F,Cl). Depending on the dominant element (fluorine, chlorine or hydroxyl), one speaks of fluorapatite, chlorapatite or hydroxyapatite. It is a very common mineral, found in many rocks. Outside gemmology it is also known as a source of phosphorus for fertilisers; and the main component of vertebrate bones and teeth is an apatite (hydroxyapatite), which has no connection with the gem beyond chemistry.

Its hardness is 5 on the Mohs scale: it is in fact the mineral that defines that level. The stone is therefore clearly softer than quartz (7), and it can be scratched with a knife blade.

The name comes from the Greek apatao, “to deceive”: the mineralogist Abraham Gottlob Werner chose it in 1786, because the mineral had long been mistaken for other species (beryl, tourmaline, peridot...), owing to its varied colours.

Colours and deposits

Apatite occurs in blue, green, yellow, violet, red, brown or colourless. The blue varieties, of a vivid blue sometimes called “neon”, are the most prized in jewellery; they are found notably in Brazil, Madagascar and Pakistan. Green-yellow varieties come from Ontario (Canada). In Mexico, yellow crystals are known.

The sky-blue variety is sometimes called lazur-apatite. There are also deposits in Canada, in France (near Nantes), in Portugal and in the United States (Maine).

Traditional symbolism

Apatite has little ancient history: it was only identified as a species in the 18th century. Current associations are modern. Depending on the colour, different ideas are attributed to it: blue apatite for clarity and motivation, green for calm, yellow for drive.

These ideas are contemporary symbols: apatite has no demonstrated effect on appetite, sleep or health, whatever may be read here and there. It does not replace medical advice.

Traditional correspondences

The element is debated: water for blue, earth or air according to authors. See the pages on the throat chakra and the third eye.

How to use it

• As jewellery: pendants and earrings, which are better protected than rings. A ring of apatite wears quickly in daily use. See the guide to gemstone jewellery.
• As a rough or tumbled stone: a small stone to hold in the hand for a moment of concentration.
• As decoration: a crystal placed on a desk, away from knocks.

Care and purification

• Water: lukewarm water and a soft cloth; dry afterwards.
• Acids, vinegar, lemon juice and household products: avoid, as apatite slowly dissolves in them.
• Ultrasonic cleaners and steam: avoid.
• Sun and heat: take care with vivid colours: store the stone in the shade.
• Knocks: its hardness of 5 makes it easy to scratch and chip. Store it separately.

For symbolic purification, see the guide to purifying and recharging your stones.

Recognising real apatite and avoiding surprises

• Too perfect a colour: a very intense, uniform blue may come from treatment. We have not been able to verify how widespread heating of apatite is; ask the seller.
• Glass: a dazzling blue at a low price, with round bubbles, often indicates glass.
• Other blue stones: blue apatite can be confused with blue tourmaline, blue topaz or larimar. Its hardness is much lower.
• Trade names: fancy names (“neon”, “Paraíba stone” for apatite) evoke more expensive gems: be wary of flattering comparisons.

See also the guide to choosing and caring for your stones.

How to choose

• Colour: a vivid, even blue for jewellery; greens and yellows are gentler.
• Clarity: against the light, check for cracks and inclusions.
• Price: modest to moderate; clean, well-cut blue stones are the most expensive.
• Pairings: with stones of similar tints, such as fluorite or aquamarine.

Frequently asked questions

Also read

The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice. Back to Guide to stones.