Apatite
Neon blue-green apatite from Madagascar is often confused with paraiba tourmaline or aquamarine. Hardness is exactly Mohs 5 — a knife blade or steel file will scratch it. Yellow apatite shows strong yellow-orange LW fluorescence.
Physical & Optical Properties
Key Differentiators
- Hardness exactly 5.0 (Mohs reference mineral) — scratched by a knife or steel file
- Uniaxial negative
- RI 1.628–1.649 — higher than aquamarine (1.577–1.583)
- SG 3.17–3.23 — heavier than aquamarine (2.68–2.80)
- Yellow apatite: strong yellow-orange LW fluorescence (diagnostic)
Natural vs. Synthetic
Synthetic apatite is commercially available (Czochralski (rare laser-grade; not commercially sold as gems)). Distinguishing natural from synthetic typically requires microscopic examination of internal features.
- General Note: No commercial synthetic apatite for gemstone use. All is natural. Synthetic: Glass imitations are isotropic SR, have different RI, no fluorescence match.
GemID Pro includes a two-phase natural vs. synthetic testing protocol for Apatite.
Start Free TrialTreatments
- Heat Treatment (blue apatite)
- Irradiation (produces unstable neon blue)
Price Context
Price context is approximate. GemID is not an appraisal tool. Results are indicators, not certified valuations.
About Apatite
Neon blue-green apatite from Madagascar is often confused with paraiba tourmaline or aquamarine. Hardness is exactly Mohs 5 — a knife blade or steel file will scratch it. Yellow apatite shows strong yellow-orange LW fluorescence.
Identifying a apatite? GemID walks through these tests in order — RI, SG, fluorescence, and more.
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