Apatite

Apatite

Green and blue apatite meanings and crystal properties. A generic name for hexagonal phosphates of varying composition.

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A generic name for hexagonal phosphates of varying composition, Ca5 (PO4) 3 (OH, Cl, F). Three species named according to the prevalent anion:
Chlorapatite Ca5 (PO4) 3 Cl
Fluorapatite Ca5 (PO4) 3F
Hydroxyapatite Ca5 (PO4) 3 (OH)

Two monoclinic variants

Two monoclinic variants are polytypes. All have isolated PO4 tetrahedra, with coordinating Ca2 + ions. The carbonate replace a PO4 tetrahedron with a CO3OH or CO3F group.

Also, The stone may vary in appearance and color. Its chemical composition was determined at the end of the 19th century. Besides that, the German mineralogist Abraham Gottlob Werner gave it in 1786 this name which is inspired by the Greek “apatan”, mean “to deceive”.

Isostructural minerals

It serves as a leader for a group of isostructural minerals of general formula: A5 (XO4) 3Zq. In which calcium is replaced by strontium, cerium, manganese, yttrium, lead and phosphorus is replaced by arsenic, vanadium, sulfur, silicon … (pyromorphite, vanadinite, mimetite, fluorellestadite …)

They are minerals of hexagonal or pseudo hexagonal-monoclinic structure, containing arsenates, phosphates and vanadates, divided into two subgroups of apatite and pyromorphite.

A secondary mineral, common in magmatic rocks. Their concentration is not sufficient for industrial exploitation. Phosphorus contained in the iron ores actually passes completely into the metal phase: its elimination in the ripening phase of the iron ore Steel is expensive.

Hydrothermal apatites

Hydrothermal crystals are less common. Pegmatitic or metamorphic are minerals of great economic importance for their content of rare elements rather than for their phosphorus content.

Sedimentary apatites

Sedimentary gemstones have a chemical or organic origin. The raw material for the phosphorus industry is phosphorite, a phosphorous sedimentary rock whose main component is carbonato-fluorapatite. The inorganic part of the vertebrate skeletons is essentially carbonato-hydroxyapatite and these skeletons form phosphate sediments.

Calcium phosphate is soluble in acidic environment , but much less in an alkaline environment (sea). The change in pH when a river flows into the sea produces phosphate precipitation, which contributes to the turbid waters of estuaries.

Blue apatite meaning and crystal properties

The following section is pseudo scientific and based on cultural beliefs.

A stone of manifestation attuned to the future, activating psychic abilities and allowing expansion of knowledge. The stone will stimulate the intellect and brings ideas from the mind down into the earth realm through realizations.

This stone allows for a deeper dive and reflection into one’s self, seeking self-insight and inner clarity. The gemstone will keep you on a search for freedom as it keeps you attuned to always planning what’s next in your life.

Green crystals stimulates the flow of energy on the physical plane and can be used as an abundance stone, for spiritual and financial manifestation, as well as connecting with the electromagnetic field of the planet. It allows one to replenish energy for the physical heart and to channel healing energies back to the Earth.

FAQ

What is the use of apatite?

The primary use of this stone is in the manufacture of fertilizer. it is a source of phosphorus. It is occasionally used as a gemstone. Green and blue varieties, in finely divided form, are pigments with excellent covering power.

What is apatite gemstone?

A mineral group as the generic term for many phosphates, but gem-quality is a special stone found in a beautiful variety of colors. Various colors are often due to the presence of rare earth elements or natural irradiation.

What is apatite made of?

It is calcium phosphate combined with fluorine, chlorine or hydroxyl. These three minerals are usually found in every specimen but some specimens have been known to have 100% of one or the other. It is often hard to spot the difference between the three minerals in hand samples of this stone.

What are the healing properties of apatite?

The crystal expands knowledge and truth and eases sorrow, apathy, and anger. Physically, The stone aids in the absorption of calcium, helping cartilage, bones and teeth; healing bones and encouraging the formation of new cells. It improves arthritis and joint problems.

Is apatite rare?

While the stone is a common mineral, gem-quality is quite rare. The crystal is known by gemstone expert especially for two colors: the Paraiba-like blue-green, and the leek-green color that once earned the gem name “asparagus stone”.

How strong is green apatite?

The gem has a relatively consistent hardness and serves as the index mineral for a hardness of five in the Mohs hardness scale.

What is blue apatite good for?

Blue color encourages the formation of new cells and aids in the absorption of calcium. It helps heal bones and teeth, repairs cartilage, and is useful in the treatments for rickets, joint problems, arthritis, and motor skills. Blue stone may be used to soothe headaches and help with vertigo or dizziness.

Is blue apatite toxic?

You maybe read that the stone is toxic because its content. Hydroxyapatite is actually an essential component of our bones and teeth. And similarly as this gem, a small quantity is not toxic at all. Obviously, It’s better not to eat large amounts of stone powder, otherwise it could be dangerous. But nobody ever did that

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