Golden Apatite 6.70 Ct.

Apatite

Although too brittle for most jewelry use, properly cut apatite gems are truly magnificent. A collector could assemble a suite of as many as twenty of these bright gems, all with different colors.

Blue Brazilian apatites and those with a “neon” blue-green color, similar to that of Paraiba tourmalines, command the highest prices. Rare, rich purple specimens from Maine are also highly prized.

Since apatites are relatively soft stones, skilled faceters can add a premium to their value with exceptional polishes.

As with most gems, color saturation, size, and clarity are the major determiners of value.

Prior to the discovery of the now coveted neon blue-green apatites in Madagascar, these colorful but little-known gemstones seldom found their way into jewelry collections. Nevertheless, mineral collectors prized them not only for their colors but also their beautiful fluorescence. Brittle and sensitive, apatites must be cut and worn gently. Although difficult to cut and polish, apatites faceted with gem designs for quartz, tourmaline, and topaz will look wonderful.

For rings, use protective settings and reserve for occasional wear. Earrings, pendants, pins, and tie tacks make safer jewelry options. Since apatites are acid, heat, and shock sensitive, they deserve the same storage, care, and cleaning regimen as opals. Never use mechanical cleaning systems on these pieces.

Stones can be found in shades of blue to green, yellow, brown, pink, and violet. The blue and yellow varieties can be found in sizes over 5 carats. There have been exceptional stones that have exceeded 100 carats. Neon apatite stones can rival the color of Paraíba tourmaline.

The variety of colors of apatite make it a desirable stone for jewelry. It’s a 5 on the Mohs scale and should be treated with care and as a special-occasion stone. Consider it like a fine gown, store it carefully and wear it when the event calls for something truly special. Gem-quality apatite is a unique stone whose various colors are often due to the presence of rare-earth elements or natural irradiation.