Gemstone profile and identification guide
Apatite
Apatite is a calcium phosphate mineral group used as a collector and jewellery gemstone in multiple colours.
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Overview
Apatite is a calcium phosphate mineral group used as a collector and jewellery gemstone in multiple colours.
Did you know? Apatite hardness sits at 5 on Mohs scale, making it the reference mineral for that value.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Apatite
Scientific classification: Phosphate (Apatite Group)
Hardness: 5 Mohs
Transparency: transparent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Primary colour: Blue
Secondary colour: Green
Colour family: Blues
Lower hardness than many similar-colour gems and apatite-specific optical constants are diagnostic.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Values are reported as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: medium
Hardness value: 5 Mohs
Chemical composition: Calcium phosphate [Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)]
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Common locations: Madagascar, Brazil, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Apatite appears in many colours, with blue and blue-green facetable material common in jewellery trade.
Optical effects: Chatoyancy (rare)
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Apatite group
Mineral group: Phosphate group
Chemical formula: Calcium phosphate [Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)]
Mohs hardness: 5
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: transparent
Streak: White
Cleavage: Poor to indistinct
Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
Specific gravity: 3.16-3.23
Refractive index: 1.632-1.649
Optical phenomena: Chatoyancy in rare fibrous material
Colour range: Blue, green, yellow, violet, colorless
Common inclusions: Needles, tubes, fluid inclusions, zoning
Geological environment: Igneous, metamorphic, and hydrothermal deposits
Principal mining regions: Madagascar, Brazil, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka
Important commercial sources: Gem apatite is commonly sourced from Madagascar and Brazil, with additional production in Mexico and Myanmar
Historical significance: Important collector mineral and occasional gemstone in bright colours.
Common treatments: Heat treatment and fracture filling may occur.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Glass and synthetic spinel-like imitations are used.
Common look-alikes: Tourmaline, topaz, beryl
Jewellery uses: Apatite is used chiefly for Earrings, pendants, and collector gems rather than daily-wear rings.. In the trade it is commonly fashioned as faceted stones, calibrated cuts, and higher-clarity collector pieces, with Mohs hardness 5 guiding suitable jewellery applications.
Care recommendations: Relatively soft for jewellery; avoid abrasion and high-impact wear.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Apatite.
Formation
Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and hydrothermal environments.
Origin
Gem apatite is commonly sourced from Madagascar and Brazil, with additional production in Mexico and Myanmar
Uses
Best for: Apatite is used chiefly for Earrings, pendants, and collector gems rather than daily-wear rings.. In the trade it is commonly fashioned as faceted stones, calibrated cuts, and higher-clarity collector pieces, with Mohs hardness 5 guiding suitable jewellery applications.
Ideal uses: Earrings, pendants, and collector gems rather than daily-wear rings.
Care
Relatively soft for jewellery; avoid abrasion and high-impact wear.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Gemstones from the same mineral family
Commonly confused gemstones
Apatite FAQ
How can I identify Apatite?
Compare hardness (5 Mohs), crystal system (Hexagonal), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Apatite appear in?
Apatite appears in many colours, with blue and blue-green facetable material common in jewellery trade.
Where is Apatite commonly used?
Earrings, pendants, and collector gems rather than daily-wear rings.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 02 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 02 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 02 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 02 factual verification pass.