Characteristics of Apatite:

Chemical Name: Fluorapatite, chlorapatite, hydroxyapatite

Formula:

Colors: Various

Structure: Hexagonal or monoclinic

Hardness: 5

Specific Gravity: 3.1-3.2

Refractive Index: 1.63-1.64

Lustre: Vitreous, waxy

Streak: White

Locations: Madagascar, Brazil, Myanmar, Mexico

What is Apatite? 

The name Apatite is derived from the Greek apate, meaning “deceit”, as it often resembles the crystal of other minerals such as aquamarine, amethyst, and peridot. It can be intensely colored, occurring vivid greens, blues, violet-blues, purples, and rose-reds. As a relatively soft crystal, it is not widely used a gemstone, and although transparent Apatite is sometimes faceted and mounted in jewelry, care must be taken when wearing it as it can scratch. Some of the largest Apatite crystals have been found in Canada, weighing up to 200kg.