Apatite -
Apatite provides
attractive gems in a variety of colors : green but also yellow,blue,
reddish, brown and purple. In non-gem quality, very large
crystals occur weighing up to several hundredweight. It has
a vitreous luster and is sensitive to acids. Apatite is easily
confused with Beryl, Topaz and Tourmaline.
Sources for
this gemstone
Brazil, Burma, Sri Lanka,
Czechoslovakia, India, Malagasy Republic, Mexico,Tanzania and the
U.S.
Treatments - Typically Apatite is not HEAT
treated.
Care
Apatite should NOT be cleaned in an ultrasonic
or steam cleaner. We recommend ionic cleaners and/or warm,
soapy water and a soft brush as the best way to clean your Apatite
jewelry.
Technical
Details
| Chemical Composition and
name |
Ca(F,CL)Ca4(PO4)3 -
A complex Calcium Phosphate |
| Hardness |
5 |
| Specific Gravity |
3.17 - 3.23 |
| Crystalline System |
Hexagonal |
| Refractive Index |
1.63 to 1.64 |
| Bi-refringence |
0.002 - 1.004 |
| Optical Character |
Uniaxial |
