NATURAL GREEN APATITE GEMSTONE
The name apatite is taken from the Greek word "apatao" meaning to deceive or mislead. That's because this sneaky gem is frequently mistaken for other pricey gemstones like tourmaline peridot and beryl.
What is Natural Green Apatite?
You turn the rough, intense green stone through your fingers. It glitters prettily in the light. Is it a piece of green glass? No, it’s a genuine natural green apatite stone! Often confused for other jewels, learn how to identify natural green apatite and tell it apart from similar gems, such as sphene, peridot, and green Paraiba tourmaline.
While commonly mined in its mineral form, you might be wondering how rare natural green apatite is as a gemstone? Despite its stunning appearance, natural green apatite is still rarely seen in gemstone jewelry. This gemstone is famous among lapidary circles for being tough to work with, meaning that for many years most specimens were collector’s stones.
Our gem-cutters have been working this material since the early days of the natural green apatite boom. During this time, they’ve perfected shaping this troublesome mineral into many popular shapes. Gem collectors and jewelry connoisseurs alike will delight in adding natural green apatite to their collections.
Despite not being well-known, natural green apatite is the defining mineral on the Mohs scale of hardness for rank five. It’s a stone that requires care to shape, but also care to enjoy.
Determining Natural Green Apatite Value
Is natural green gpatite valuable? The value of colored stones is typically determined by a combination of its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. This is no different when determining what apatite is worth. These guidelines will help you choose apatite stones for your collection.
- Natural Green Apatite Color
Natural green apatite occurs in a breathtaking range of green hues with blue undertones that encapsulate the natural charm of this island country. Between these shades, you’ll find many variations, with several scarce types that only make up a small percentage of the stone’s potential.
Natural green apatite occurs in colors such as peridot-green, emerald-green, and a deep bottle green. Specimens from Madagascar favor this narrow spectrum of colors.
When choosing natural green apatite, the stone’s color is most important. Green apatite favors a deep saturation of color, creating very vivid stones.
- Natural Green Apatite Clarity
As a Type II gemstone, expect to see some inclusions in Natural Green Apatite. Type II stones are expected to contain visible inclusions. Eye-clean stones are rare and more valuable. Deeply saturated color often masks these characteristics, making them difficult to spot without a loupe or other source of magnification. After polishing, Natural Green Apatite takes on an appealing vitreous luster and glossy shine.
- Natural Green Apatite Cut
While Natural Green Apatite is known to be fragile, skilled lapidaries can shape the stone. For many years, cutters avoided apatite, as the material is prone to breaking. Since the apatite boom, Shop LC gem cutters have been honing their craft with this stone. Expect to find Natural Green Apatite in the shapes you love, carefully hand-cut to perfection.
- Natural Green Apatite Carat
While larger museum and collector pieces exist, much of the stones found in Natural Green Apatite Carat jewelry is under one carat.
Natural Green Apatite Treatment
Often, novice or amateur collectors might ask if apatite is real. What’s really being asked is if Natural Green Apatite is treated. It is a natural gemstone that never undergoes any treatment. The gleaming intense green color of Natural Green Apatite is natural, and no treatments or alterations are required to achieve it.
Caring for Natural Green Apatite
Natural Green Apatite gemstones are delicate compared to other gemstones. These gemstones are sensitive to heat treatment and acids, so the use of steamers, ultrasonic cleaners and chemicals should always be avoided. Avoid wearing Natural Green Apatite jewelry when doing vigorous physical activity, such as exercise or sports, or household chores.
Natural Green Apatite is softer than quartz and simple wiping off dust may cause the gemstone to lose its polish and develop scratches. When storing natural green apatite jewelry, wrap it in a soft cloth, or place it into a fabric-lined box. Always store natural green apatite separately from other types of gemstone and gemstone jewelry.
How Does Natural Green Apatite Compare to Other Apatite Stones?
When you compare Natural Green Apatite to other apatite stones, the main difference you’ll see is color. Gem-quality apatite is always intensely saturated, but Natural Green Apatite primarily exists in colors such as peridot green, emerald green, and deep bottle green with blue undertones.
Some varieties of apatite are known to display chatoyancy. Also known as cat’s eye, Natural Green Apatite typically doesn’t display this intriguing phenomenon. In fact, it’s a rare quality to see in any gemstone, and specimens often command a high price when it’s found.
Where Does Natural Green Apatite Come From?
If you’re still asking, “where does Natural Green Apatite come from,” then wonder no longer. Shop LC sources this apatite variety from the island country of Madagascar. Situated off the southeastern coast of Africa, Madagascar is an important supplier of raw mineral material.
How is Natural Green Apatite Mined?
A variety of methods are used in mining apatite. Large-scale mining operations use machinery for extracting the stone from large open pits. On the other side of things, artisanal miners employ hand tools when digging the stone from the ground.
Natural Green Apatite Properties
What Does Natural Green Apatite Mean?
Many gem therapists view Natural Green Apatite as a stone that’s useful in creating a positive, clear energy field and a heart-centered focus. It is believed to communicate an understanding of the mind with the emotion of the heart, balancing them, and helping overcome problems when bringing one's vision to reality. In particular, Natural Green Apatite is valued for its ability to stimulate hope and bring vitality.
Other suggests Natural Green Apatite corrects physical and mental coordination and can be used to regulate digestion and metabolism. It is believed to encourage new cell formation and aid in the absorption of calcium, making it a good choice for battling bone and tooth decay.
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. These remedies, approaches, and techniques are not a substitute for professional medical care or treatment. They should not be used to treat any ailment without prior consultation with a qualified health care professional.
Is Natural Green Apatite a Birthstone?
Natural Green Apatite is not recognized as a modern birthstone. Its rarity in gemstone jewelry has kept apatite primarily as a collector’s gemstone.
Natural Green Apatite Facts
- Natural Green Apatite ranks five on the Mohs scale of hardness.
- Discover Natural Green Apatite at Shop LC in colors such as peridot green, emerald green, and a deep bottle green with blue undertones.
- Natural Green Apatite occurs in several locations throughout Madagascar, an island country off the eastern coast of Africa
- Natural Green Apatite undergoes no additional treatments.
- Natural Green Apatite is also known as Asparagus Stone, Augustite, or Asparagolite.