Gemstone profile and identification guide
Green Apatite
Green apatite is a calcium phosphate gemstone valued for vivid green hues and high brilliance.
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Overview
Green apatite is a calcium phosphate gemstone valued for vivid green hues and high brilliance.
Did you know? Apatite can be mistaken for stronger gems such as peridot without instrument testing.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Green Apatite
Scientific classification: Phosphate (Apatite)
Hardness: 5 Mohs
Transparency: transparent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Primary colour: Green
Secondary colour: Yellow Green
Colour family: Greens
Apatite RI/SG and low hardness compared with similar green gems are important diagnostics.
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.
Trade-name entries include conservative composition/treatment disclosures where needed.
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
Green apatite from yellow-green to deeper teal-green tones.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Apatite
Mineral group: Apatite 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: 3.1-3.2
Refractive index: 1.63-1.65
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Yellow-green to rich green
Common inclusions: Needles, fractures, color zoning
Geological environment: Igneous and metamorphic phosphate systems
Principal mining regions: Madagascar, Brazil, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka
Important commercial sources: Green apatite is sourced from several phosphate localities, especially Madagascar and Brazil
Historical significance: Niche but recognized collector gemstone species.
Common treatments: Heat treatment may occur; disclosure recommended.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Glass and synthetic imitations exist.
Common look-alikes: Peridot, green tourmaline, green glass
Jewellery uses: Used in faceted stones and collector gems, often in protected settings.
Care recommendations: Green Apatite should be cleaned with lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. At Mohs 5 in the Hexagonal system, avoid steam cleaners, harsh chemicals, and high-impact wear. Store separately from harder gems to minimise abrasion and edge wear.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Green Apatite.
Formation
Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and hydrothermal phosphate-bearing systems.
Origin
Green apatite is sourced from several phosphate localities, especially Madagascar and Brazil
Uses
Best for: Used in faceted stones and collector gems, often in protected settings.
Ideal uses: Occasional-wear jewelry and collector faceted stones.
Care
Green Apatite should be cleaned with lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. At Mohs 5 in the Hexagonal system, avoid steam cleaners, harsh chemicals, and high-impact wear. Store separately from harder gems to minimise abrasion and edge wear.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Commonly confused gemstones
Green Apatite FAQ
How can I identify Green 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 Green Apatite appear in?
Green apatite from yellow-green to deeper teal-green tones.
Where is Green Apatite commonly used?
Occasional-wear jewelry and collector faceted stones.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.