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Apatite
Phosphates, Arsenates, Vandates (Calcium fluorine-chlorine-hydroxyl phosphate, often with some manganese and cerium) Ca5(PO4)3(F, Cl, OH) AKA: |
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System: Hexagonal; usually short to long prismatic; frequently tabular; also massive, coarse granular to compact, stalactitic, earthy, oolitic. Appearance: Green, brown, red, yellow, violet, pink, white, colorless; greasy, vitreous; streak white. Physical properties: Hardness:(5.0); Specific gravity: (3.1 - 3.2); Cleavage: poor, one direction crosswise; fracture, uneven, conchoidal; transparent to translucent; brittle. Similar species: Beryl is harder than apatite, and green tourmaline is usually striated lengthwise. Tourmaline does not develop six-sided crystals, the characteristic form of apatite. Occurrence: Apatite is the commonest form of all phosphorous-bearing minerals. It develops in many igneous rocks as a minor accessory mineral and is formed in certain metamorphic rocks. Some of the most beautiful apatite comes from Germany and Spain. Crystals of apatite that resemble green tourmaline come from California. Miscellaneous: Clear and beautifully colored apatites are used as gemstones, though apatite is rather soft. The name derives from the Greek apate, "deceit", in allusion to its being confused with other minerals such as aquamarine, olivine and fluorite. Apatite is widely used in the manufacture of phosphate fertilizers. Apatite is a major constituent of mammalian teeth and bones. Ivory is about 65 percent apatite. Conventional Wisdom: The use of apatite while working with other crystals will facilitate results with greater ease since apatite enhances the "coming-to-results". Blue and purple are used especially to heal and stimulate the throat chakra. High Calcium content strengthens bones, muscles, and mineral assimilation. Strengthens muscle tissue, aids in coordinating basic motor responses. Assists people suffering from stuttering and used in the treatment of hypertension. Wearing/carrying apatite is reputed to promote hunger suppression. Belongs to the Astrological Sign of Gemini. |