One of the most attractive and mysterious minerals is apatite. The name of the stone speaks for itself, since in translation from the Latin language it means "deception" or "riddle." Why is apatite so deceiving and what is its mystery? The fact is that this mineral has in its composition a huge amount of various substances, and their abundance makes apatite very similar to other groups of stones. It is as if disguised as other minerals, which is why it got its name. A person who is not particularly versed in stones is unlikely to understand the first time that he is exactly apatite. For example, inexperienced buyers often confuse this mineral with topaz or beryl.
Description and history of origin
Apatite is one of the most ancient minerals, but it was singled out in a separate group and was characterized only in 1788. Due to its extreme similarity with other groups of minerals, this mineral was “hidden” from humanity for a long time, only with the development of geology apatite became an independent mineral and acquired its literally mysterious name. We can say that apatite lacks individuality, because it looks like other stones. But apatite is unique in its own way. It belongs to semiprecious stones, and the rather complex internal structure of the mineral allows it to acquire various shades depending on lighting or viewing angle.
The purest and most transparent stones are highly valued by jewelers.
Place of Birth
Many countries are engaged in the mining of apatites.Large deposits of this mineral are located in Russia, Canada, USA, Norway, Sri Lanka. It is worth noting that in each country apatite has its own individual color. Sri Lanka produces stones that are used by jewelers, because in this country this mineral has a beautiful glass shade. The largest apatite in history has been found in Quebec, Canada. The weight of this mineral was about 5 tons. In Russia, blue and blue types of stones are mainly found. In Canada, apatites with a green and brown tinge dominate.
In Norway, minerals similar to malachite are often found, they have the color of a sea wave, and a natural patterned pattern is visible inside. The largest Russian mineral deposit is located in the Murmansk region and it is called the Khibiny, since the Khibiny Mountains are located nearby. By the way, there is also a nearby town, which is called Apatity. In addition, active apatite mining is carried out in Buryatia (Oshurkovskoye and Beloziminskoye deposits) and in Yakutia (Neryanjinskoye and Ulhan-Melenkinskoye deposits). The main mineral deposits are in rocks that have been formed since the eruptions of ancient volcanoes.
Large deposits are also located in Mexico and Brazil.
The properties
Apatite has a lot of characteristics, thanks to which it received the title of a semiprecious stone. It is necessary to distinguish several groups of properties - physical, chemical and therapeutic. And the ancient traditions of the ancestors and the prevailing superstitions are pushing to highlight another group of properties - magical.
By chemical properties, these minerals are usually divided into three main groups:
- hydroxyapatites;
- fluorapatitis;
- chlorapatitis.
This separation depends on the chemical composition of apatite. Chlorapatites, as the name implies, contain chlorine, which gives such stones a white color with a glass sheen. Fluorapatites are quite common and have a large amount of fluoride. The color of such a stone can be varied. Hydroxoapatites are widely used in medicine and dentistry, since this substance is the basis in the mineral composition of bones and teeth.
The physical characteristics of the stone are also very impressive. The density of such a fossil is 5–5.5 g / cm³, and the hardness is 3.2–3.4 on the Mohs scale. However, apatite is a rather fragile stone, which can easily crack. In addition, apatites are found in nature in completely different, but very attractive forms. For example, in the form of a prism or needle-shaped. This is an incredibly beautiful creation of nature.
Since ancient times, apatite has been used for medicinal purposes, which continues to this day. In ancient times, it was believed that the owner of such a stone is protected from negative energy. That is, this mineral was used as a kind of amulet, bringing spiritual stability, bright thoughts and calm. To date, apatite is used as a means to strengthen bones and tooth enamel. It saturates the body with calcium, helps with bruises and fractures. Some experts believe that this mineral has a beneficial effect on the thyroid gland and eliminates stomach problems.
The magical properties of apatite were of great importance among our ancestors and were extremely popular in ancient times. It was believed that such a mineral is able to increase the level of carrier intuition and even inspire dreams in it, in which you can see the future. It was also believed that this stone can warn the owner of the danger. This was reported by unpleasant sensations at the place of wearing jewelry made of apatite.
Apatite jewelry had extremely bright energy, therefore it was very often used not only as a jewelry item, but also as a talisman of powerful power.
Varieties and colors
As mentioned above, the color of the stone depends on the chemical compounds that make up this mineral.The most common stones with a high fluorine content can have a wide color spectrum. Often among them are yellow, pink and brown stones.
White, green and gray shades give the stone the chlorine contained in it. The abundance of water gives the mineral blue, white and purple hues.
How to distinguish from a fake?
To date, fakes are found in many areas. And jewelry is the leader in the abundance of jewelry made of fake or artificial stones. Moreover, apatite is a chameleon stone, so it is difficult to distinguish it from any other stone. But fakes are often made of plastic or colored glass. It is not difficult to distinguish real apatite from such materials. The main rule is that each apatite is individual.
Absolutely similar stones from such a mineral simply cannot exist. Therefore, if there are several jewelry in the display case, in which the stones are similar to each other, and the seller gives them out for natural apatites, then there is no doubt that the stones are fake. It is also worth mentioning that apatite heats up very slowly and, moreover, does not melt. Of course, to identify a fake, you do not need to try to melt the jewelry. Just hold the stone in the palm of your hand. Plastic or glass will heat up immediately, and apatite will retain its temperature for a long time. And by weight, natural apatite is heavier than plastic or glass jewelry.
One more way can be noted how to distinguish natural stone from a glass fake, but it is quite radical and it will not be possible to use it in a store. The fact is that when broken, the glass breaks up into sharp and small fragments. But when apatite breaks, then it splits into pieces without sharp edges. But resorting to this method, of course, is not advisable. After all, even if apatite turns out to be natural, then in a broken form it is hardly suitable for further wear.
Who is it for?
If the stone is selected depending on the zodiac sign, then professional astrologers highly recommend not wearing jewelry with apatite to Pisces. Such a stone does not suit them at all, but Gemini, Aries and Capricorn are extremely useful. Apatite also goes well with crystal or diamond jewelry.
Apatite is ideal for people with nerve problems. These stones bring peace and tranquility.
The stone sets up a positive attitude in times of gloom and sadness, therefore it will be extremely useful to people who find themselves in a difficult life situation.
How is it used?
Apatity is used in manufacturing, jewelry and medicine.
In industry, these minerals are used for the production of natural fertilizers with a high phosphorus content or for the production of phosphoric acid. Also, this stone was widely used and used in metallurgy, and glass and ceramics are also made from it.
Jewelers use pale or translucent stones in the manufacture of jewelry. These minerals are quite fragile, therefore, they are used for the production of jewelry much less than the more durable analogues. Necklaces, cufflinks or earrings are often made from such a mineral.
In medicine, apatite is valued not only for improving the psychological and emotional state, but also for its beneficial effects on teeth and bones.
In addition, there are attempts to manufacture prostheses using apatite, close to the natural composition of the human bone.
Stone Care
As mentioned above, this stone is quite fragile, therefore, it is especially careful to handle it. In no case should accidental blows be allowed, otherwise the stone will simply crack. Do not allow jewelry to interact with other chemicals, and it is also not recommended to clean it with soap and water. From them, jewelry can significantly fade. To wash away dirt or dust from a stone, use normal warm water and a soft cloth.Do not wear this jewelry too often, as it is subject to scratches and from daily wear will lose its original appearance.
Apatite should be stored separately from other jewelry with sharp edges that can scratch it. Damage to the stone leads to the loss of its positive properties.
So, apatite today is the mineral that is used in many industries. The stone has a number of properties that positively affect the health and emotional background of its owner. It is worth noting that the cost of jewelry from this mineral is extremely low and compares favorably with more expensive competitors. Caring for apatite is not at all difficult, the main thing is to choose the right natural stone, and not a fake, and handle it carefully.
The story about apatite is in the next video.
