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Sources :
There are known Apatite desposits in Algeria, Austria, Burma (Myanmar), Brazil,
Canada, Egypt, Germany, India, Israel, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, Norway,
Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Sweden, Tunisia and the United States
(California, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana).
Evaluation :
Apatite is rated at 5 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness. Apatite can be worn every
day in brooches, earrings and pendants, but it is generally considered too soft
to be worn daily in a ring.
Apatite can be found in many colors, including, blue, brown, colorless, green, pink,
purple, red, violet and yellow. There is also a “Cat's Eye” Apatite. Brown, green
and yellow are the commonly occuring colors, with blue, colorless, pibk, red, violet,
and the most recently discovered neon blue-green examples being
the rarest and therefore most valuable Apatite colors.
When buying Apatite gemstones, the two most impotant factors to consider are color
and clarity. Gemstones with good color saturation and few inclusions are inherently
more valuable and command higher per Carat prices.
Common Cuts :
Apatites are cut into most of the commonly recognized and used gemstone shapes /
cuts.
Routine Enhancements :
Apatite gemstones do not normally require treatment. Those that do however are usually
heat treated or irridated so as to improve the stone's color and appearance.
Care & Cleaning :
Apatite is particularly sensitive to abrasives, chemicals, heat, ammonia and acids.
Ultrasonic cleaners and
steamers should also be avoided. Apatite is best cleaned with warm, soapy water
and a soft cloth. Apatite
jewelry should be stored on its own in a lined jewelry box, away from harder jewelry,
which may cause
scratches or abrasions.
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