Some of these deposits contain enough phosphorus that they can be mined and used to produce fertilizers and chemical products. Apatite is the main source of phosphate that is mined industrially . It is often green in color but can also be blue, or yellow. Attractive translucent stones of excellent color are cut en cabochon. Although apatite is very common, gem-quality apatite can be harder to come by. “ Its uses as a mineral and gemstone “ “ Apatite - Wikipedia “ “ The primary use of apatite is in the manufacture of fertilizer – it is a source of phosphorus. These colors are often so vivid that apatite has frequently been cut as a gemstone. This calcium phosphate mineral, though little known to the layman, offers something or the other to all walks of life, yet we hardly realize its presence! It occurs as a residual mineral in lateritic soils. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Blue apatite is a prized mineral specimen by rock collectors for its vibrant royal blue color. Apatite is one of a few minerals produced and used by biological micro-environmental systems. Apatite Group of phosphate minerals Includes, Fluoroapatite - Ca5(PO4)3F Chloroapatite - Ca5(PO4)3 Cl Hydroxylapatite – Ca5(PO4)3 OH Rarely Sr-apatite and CO3- apatite 4. Image copyright by Geology.com. We hope you enjoy this website. Apatite is essential in the manufacture of phosphate fertilizers, and is very important in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Apatite gemstones are found around the globe, with major sources located in Brazil, Russia, Sri Lanka, Burma and Mexico. When cut en cabochon with the silk oriented parallel to the bottom of the stone, these specimens will often exhibit a chatoyance known as "cat's eye.". However, discovery of the neon blue-green variety from Madagascar has given it some recognition in the gemstone jewelry circuit. It is usually green in color, but can be yellow, brown, blue, purple, pink, or colorless. Exceptional Minerals Google Search for Apatite John Betts Fine Minerals Search for Apatite McDougall Minerals Google Search for Apatite Mineral News Website Link Rock and Mineral Shows Google Search for Apatite Weinrich Minerals, Inc. Google Search for Apatite. It clears away confusion, apathy or negativity, then, stimulates the intellect to expand knowledge and truth, which may be used for personal growth or for the collective good. A relatively rare form of apatite in which most of the OH groups are absent and containing many carbonates and acid phosphate substitutions is a large component of the bone material. An irony of the name apatite is that apatite is the mineral that makes up the teeth in all vertebrate animals as well as their bones. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The United States, Russia, Morocco, and Western Sahara are also major phosphate producers. Some stones are heat treated to improve their color. Due to this reason, apatite, as gemstones, are not very popular as jewelry items. Also, fluoridated water enables fluoride ions to be exchanged for apatite hydroxyl group, in teeth. Phosphate rock from the Upper Zhujiaqing Formation of the Yunnan Province of Southwestern China with a fossiliferous peloidal texture. Some of these deposits contain enough phosphorus that they can be mined and used to produce fertilizers and chemical products. Where the dilution rate is high, phosphatic shales, mudstones, limestones, and sandstones will form instead of phosphate rock. Some special varieties are only found in certain locations, such as the Maine variety of apatite. Occasionally, apatite crystals will glow yellow under ultraviolet light. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Actually, it is a type of mineral named by German geologist in 1786. Apatite is one of a few minerals produced and used by biological micro-environmental systems. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. In their mineral forms, all apatite have the ability to absorb radioactive and metallic contaminants, and keep them locked. Tourmaline – A Powerful Detoxifying Agent, Agate, The Stabilizer – Benefits and Meanings. These stones are commonly found throughout the world and occur in almost all stones. Faceted Apatite: Five faceted stones from Madagascar in various colors. Most of the apatite rock mined throughout the world is used to produce phosphate fertilizer. These cookies do not store any personal information. This is … Synthetic calcium hydroxylapatite is used as a cosmetic dermal filler to plump out thin or dried out areas on the face. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Some special varieties are only found in certain locations, such as the Maine variety of apatite. Let us learn more about Apatite. Hydroxyapatite, also known as hydroxylapatite, is the major component of tooth enamel and bone mineral. Make a grid with Apatite stones to strengthen the skeletal system or place the stone on specific joints to strengthen the bones. Apatite was named in 1788 for the Greek word apatite, which means “to deceive”, since apatite has a similar appearance to many other minerals. Apatite chemistry has recently given new insight into a wide range of geological processes and tools, such as magmatism, metasomatism, planetary geochemistry, and geochronology. Apatite mineral uses also extend to fluoridating water, and a protective coat of apatite on metals prevent it from rusting. Well, we're looking for good writers who want to spread the word. Apatite can form in sedimentary processes, igneous processes (e.g., Pegmatite), metamorphic processes, and in hydrothermal vents, as well as production by biological systems. Apatite enhances creativity and awakens the finer, inner self. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Since apatite is non-radioactive, it is preferred over other traditional rare earth ores to prevent environmental hazards during mine tilling. These hexagonal crystals are small, mostly about 8 millimeters in length. Apatite is the defining mineral for 5 on the Mohs scale. The best way to learn about minerals is to study with a collection of small specimens that you can handle, examine, and observe their properties. Specimens with excellent clarity and color are sometimes cut as faceted gemstones. Apatite is best known for its use as an index mineral with a hardness of 5 in the Mohs Hardness Scale. Chemically, apatite is calcium phosphate, which is the same mineral that makes up bones and tooth enamel. Ask about Apatite here : Ask-A-Mineralogist from the Mineralogical Society of America Apatite is particularly useful because it works to magnify and strengthen your intention, giving you the clarity of mind necessary for deepening your focus and spiritual awareness. The physico-chemical transformations are related to the structure of the bone mineral apatite. Apatite Mineral & Gemstone Information. Photograph by James St. John, used here under a Creative Commons License. It is primarily used industrially as a source of phosphorus for fertilizer. The dual nature of Apatite is best realized in its contrasting vibrational aspects. As the setting reaction of apatite cement is the same as the setting reaction of gypsum, a similar method can be applied to apatite cement to shorten the setting time. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. Apatite is the defining mineral for 5 on the Mohs scale. The term "apatite" is often used for fluorapatite, the most common of these minerals. This beautiful apatite mineral that reduces any state of irritation and facilitates personal improvement so that you can lead a much more active life without reluctance and frustration, is used as a source of phosphorus and phosphate. The minerals of the apatite group, especially the phosphates, are mostly concentrated in the bones and teeth. Apatite is found in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. It is also used to produce animal feed supplements, phosphoric acid, elemental phosphorous, and phosphate compounds for the chemical ind… Apatite refers to a group of phosphate minerals that are widely distributed in all rock types, usually in tiny crystals spread throughout the host rock. Apatite is associated with the zodiac sign of Gemini and it symbolizes strength, clarity, knowledge, passion, and creativity. It is surprising that one type of rock, a rock that most people know nothing about, is so important to keeping the world fed and alive. Copyright © Crystal Benefits & Buzzle.com, Inc. One apatite gem is dropped per ore block mined. There, phosphatic organic debris (such as bones, teeth, scales, and fecal material) had accumulated and was mineralized during diagenesis. Green, brown, blue, yellow, violet, pink, colorless. Apatite is the defining mineral for 5 on the Mohs scale. Transparent specimens with excellent clarity and vivid color are used as gemstones. It is primarily used industrially as a source of phosphorus for fertilizer. This is clearly a mineral that has multiple uses. Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)...right to your inbox. A relatively rare form of apatite in which most of the OH groups are absent and containing many carbonate and acid phosphate substitutions is a large component of bone material. Most phosphate rock has a non-detrital origin similar to limestone. Apatite Properties. Let us learn more about Apatite. It is also used to produce animal feed supplements, phosphoric acid, elemental phosphorous, and phosphate compounds for the chemical industry. Like limestone, phosphate rock is deposited in sedimentary basins where the influx of detrital material is relatively low. The most important deposits of apatite are in sedimentary rocks formed in marine and lacustrine environments. Apatite - teeth! Apatite occasionally occurs as well-formed hexagonal crystals in hydrothermal veins and pegmatite pockets. The form of apatite known as hydroxylapatite makes up much of the mineral in bone and the enamel on teeth. They are an important constituent of phosphorite, a rock mined for its phosphorus content and used to make fertilizers, acids, and chemicals. Apatite is a member of a group of structurally related minerals having compositions symbolized A 5 (BO 4) 3 X, in which A is a metal, commonly calcium or lead; … Apatite occa… Chlorapatite and carbonate-apatite are comparatively rare. Blue Apatite is a motivational stone, promoting independence and ambitiousness. Metaphysical Uses for Apatite Because Apatite is a phosphorous mineral found naturally in our physical bodies, it can help energetically strengthen our energy bodies. Uses of Apatite as Mineral As a mineral, apatite is chiefly used as a phosphorus source for the manufacture of fertilizers. They are a significant component of phosphorite and used to make chemicals, acids, and fertilizers. Apatite has recently gained considerable attention as a mineral with many uses within the Earth and planetary sciences. It can form large crystals in contact metamorphic rocks. One of the primary physical properties of apatite is that, in its mineral form, apatite is very stable and does not easily dissolve in a natural environment. Apatite uses range from manufacture of fertilizers to being used as a gemstone for decorative and healing purposes. It can be opaque, translucent, or transparent. and exhibits similar characteristics to that of synthetic biomimetic apatites as described in Section 3. The gemmy violet and reddish forms are very much valued by collectors and command high prices. Apatite is the most commonly used mineral especially in biological environmental systems. Green Apatite is called "bones of the Earth" and is one of the best crystals used to heal the earth. Meaning. Fluorapatite, often with the alternate spelling of fluoroapatite, is a phosphate mineral with the formula Ca 5 (PO 4) 3 F (calcium fluorophosphate). Apatite has recently gained considerable attention as a mineral with many uses within the Earth and planetary sciences. The primary uses are in the metallurgical, ceramics, and chemical industries; however, optical, lapidary, and other uses are also important. The stone on the right is a greenish golden (heat-treated) 9.3 x 6.9 millimeter oval of 2.77 carats cut from apatite mined in Kenya. This is one of the most significant apatite properties which makes it an excellent choice for removing radioactive contaminants, like Strontium-90, from groundwater. Blue apatite has a strong blue and yellow color. As a gemstone, apatite is more popular with gem collectors than it is with jewelry buyers. Although apatite is very common, gem-quality apatite can be harder to come by. Would you like to write for us? Apatite is a main component of bone mineral and tooth enamel and assists in the absorption of calcium which promotes bone growth, making it an excellent ingredient in toothpaste. Phosphate rock is the only material that can be used to produce enough fertilizer to satisfy world demand. These Hexagonally structured gems are made of calcium phosphate, their full chemical compound being Ca(F,Cl)Ca4(PO4)3. Uses of blue apatite include healing physical disturbances such as toothache, headaches, stimulating eyesight, cure vertigo and strengthen the immune system. Apatite is one of the most important minerals found in the human body making up a large portion of bones and teeth. Topaz is a mineral best known as a durable gemstone and its use in Mohs Hardness Scale. Uses and benefits of apatite are so diverse in nature that this mineral has a niche following in both industrial as well as personal spheres of existence. These crystals often have a very high clarity and a vivid color and have been cut into gems for collectors. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Apatite cement paste can release powder when grazed with covering muscle. The mineral has a Mohs hardness of 5, breaks with parting, and is very brittle. As a mineral, it nurtures the ecology and as a gemstone it introduces beauty and clarity in our lives. Apatite is also the stone associated with animal conservation, because it is composed of the mineral phosphate that makes up the teeth and bones of all vertebrate animals, as well as their horns, antlers or tusks. Some of the phosphate is deposited by precipitation from solution; some is the remains and waste products of organisms; and, some is deposited by groundwater during diagenesis. Apatite is not actually a specific mineral, but rather, is a name for a group of similar isomorphous hexagonal phosphate minerals. A relatively rare form of apatite in which most of the OH groups are absent and containing many carbonate and acid phosphate substitutions is a large component of bone material. Chlorapatite and carbonate-apatite are comparatively rare. See more ideas about apatite, gemstones, gems and minerals. A relatively rare form of apatite in which most of the OH groups are absent and containing many carbonate and acid phosphate substitutions is a large component of bone material. Topaz. Our site includes quite a bit of content, so if you're having an issue finding what you're looking for, go on ahead and use that search feature there! The mineral was named apatite by the German geologist Abraham Gottlob Werner in 1786, although the specific mineral he had described was reclassified as fluorapatite in 1860 by the German mineralogist Karl Friedrich August Rammelsberg. Apatite can form in sedimentary processes, igneous processes (e.g., Pegmatite), metamorphic processes, and in hydrothermal vents, as well as production by biological systems. Apatite Arsenopyrite Augite Azurite Barite Bauxite Benitoite Beryl Biotite Bornite Calcite Cassiterite Chalcopyrite Charoite Chlorite Chromite Chrysoberyl ... Grape Agate is a popular mineral specimen with the color and the shape of a bunch of grapes. 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During Mine tilling s conducive to healing a group of similar isomorphous phosphate. Hydroxylapatite is much less common and chlorapatite is very common, gem-quality apatite can be,... A purple mineral that makes up bones and teeth phosphate rock the Hoidas Lake Earth... Dual-Action stone, promoting independence and ambitiousness excellent color are cut en cabochon enamel and bone....