Blue Apatite Stone and Crystals

Blue apatite is often referred to as a stone or a crystal.  For correct reference, blue apatite, by mineralogy standards, is considered to be a mineral.

So why do so many refer to blue apatite as a stone or a crystal?  This is due to the nature of apatite.  It can look more of a rock or stone, or it can come in a hexagonal crystal looking form.

Raw blue apatite stone is by far the most popular and affordable form of apatite.  These raw forms that look like stone or rock, are usually cut out into beads, cabochons, figurines, and other shapes. 

 

The Forming of Apatite

Apatite will form in all three rock types; igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.  This mineral is considered a phosphate mineral with its high amounts of phosphorus.  This phosphorus content comes from organic marine life such as fecal and bone remains.

Most apatite will form in and around rocks where it does not show off too much distinct crystallization.  The special large crystal formations of blue apatite will form in what is known as pegmatite rocks. Pegmatite rocks are igneous rocks that form large crystals, through hydrothermal process, within its cracks and openings.

Apatite Color

Apatite color can come in the range of green, blue, brown, pink, violet, yellow, colorless, and translucent.  Blue apatite is actually not the most common color of apatite.  Green ends up being the more predominant color of apatite.  

The blue, violet, and pink colors of apatite seem to be the most desired.  Crystals, or cut gems, in these colors are often put into jewelry at a fairly high price. 

Blue Apatite Uses

Blue apatite’s primary application will be used for jewelry or display.  Blue is a rare mineral color and to use it in any other way would seem incorrect.  However apatite stone or rocks, which can come in some of the less desirable colors, are used for their phosphorus content.

Blue apatite is a difficult gem to forge for jewelry.  It has a hardness at about a 5 on the Mohs scale of hardness and is considered to be a brittle mineral.  Finding good apatite crystals to make great apatite gems does not come easy.

Phosphate rock is another term for high phosphorus content rocks.  Apatite is unique material that can be inclusive to sedimentary rock, which will be used for its phosphorus content.  Phosphorus is extremely important for crop fertilizer and is often needed in other industries.

Common Apatite Questions

Is apatite stone rare? 

No, apatite is quite common around the globe.  Rarity comes when apatite comes in larger crystal form.  Especially in the larger crystal form with colors such as blue, pink, or violet.

Is blue apatite rare? 

Sort of, blue apatite crystals in high quality for jewelry, are rare.  There are many examples of blue apatite in lesser quality that are not rare.  Blue apatite in more of a stone or rock form, cut into cabochons, are not rare.

Is apatite an expensive gem? 

Yes they can be.  Apatite gemstones can be expensive but more affordable than other gemstones.  High quality gemstones can cost up to $300 USD per carat or more.  

Common apatite such as apatite that looks more like a bluish rock, can be quite affordable.  Specimens or cabochon cuts can be quite cheap, under a $1 a carat, and a very fun addition to any rock and mineral collection.

Is blue apatite dangerous? 

No, blue apatite is not dangerous and can be held without issues.  Really the only danger it could pose is if you were to throw it at someone.  Please don’t do that!

Is blue apatite toxic? 

No, blue apatite is not toxic. Holding or having this mineral around you or in your home will not cause any ill toxic effects. 

Is blue apatite safe to wear? 

Yes, blue apatite is safe for wearing.  Apatite is often used as jewelry and is commonly worn by many.

Can apatite go in the sun? 

For the most part, no.  It is not wise to put your apatite specimens or jewelry out in the sun for too long.  Like many rocks and minerals, sun can bleach out the color.  That brilliant blue will start to fade if exposed to the sun for long amounts of time.

Can apatite get wet? 

Yes, but not too long.  Blue apatite can be put in water with no ill effects.  However, like many minerals that are less than a 7 or 6 on the Mohs scale of hardness, you want to avoid long exposure to water.  If you are going to submerse your blue apatite, don’t do it for too long, and ensure you dry it off.

Some Common Apatite Properties:

Apatite Scale Mohs Hardness:	5
Specific Gravity:	3.16 – 3.22
Apatite Streak:	White
Fracture:	Conchoidal to uneven
Apatite Luster:	Vitreous, sub resinous
Crystal System:	Hexagonal
Apatite Chemical Formula:	Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)
For further apatite data and properties:	Mindat.org