Apatite is a common mineral which comes in an array of colours. One of its sought-after varieties is Green Apatite. Its natural green colour is often associated with healing, renewal, strength, and growth.

Get to know more about this charming stone in this article.

The Physical Properties of Green Apatite

The most common variety of Apatite, Green Apatite is a member of a family of calcium phosphate minerals. It occurs as tabular crystals or hexagonal prisms in igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic rocks, and igneous deposits abundant in iron (together with Quartz and Feldspar). Apatite has a hardness rating of 5 in the Mohs scale which makes it a brittle crystal. It easily forms fractures and gets scratched with a knife blade.

Green Apatite specimens are clear to translucent, with a greenness that can range from yellow green to sea green. Crystals with a striking clarity and luster are cut as faceted stones or cabochons. Fragile as they are, Green Apatite gemstones are difficult to cut and polish. This is why they are more popular among gem collectors and are rarely used for jewelry making.

The History of Green Apatite

The name Apatite comes from the Greek word apatein meaning ˜to deceive.' It was coined by German geologist Abraham Gottlob Werner in 1786. Apatite was called as such because its colours, formations, and hardness make it easy for mineralogists to mistake it for another mineral. Depending on its colour, Apatite is often confused with Tourmaline, Beryl, Peridot, and Aquamarine.

Apatite can be found in various parts of the world. Some popular extraction sites are in Canada, Mexico, East Africa, Russia, Sweden, and the US. A variety of the stone that has a distinct yellowish-green hue is found in Spain. It is aptly called Asparagus Stone.

The Lore of Green Apatite

In general, Apatite is often linked to animal conservation. It has phosphate which makes up the teeth, bones, antlers, horns, and tusks of vertebrate animals. Because of this, Green Apatite is referred to as ˜Bones of the Earth.'

When carried or worn (specifically as earrings), Green Apatite is believed to keep adults from being clumsy and promote better eye-hand coordination in children.

The Metaphysical Properties of Green Apatite

Among the many varieties of Apatite, Green Apatite is considered to be the stone that produces calm and healing. It is used to activate and align the heart, throat, and third eye chakras and to enhance a person's communication skills.

The stone also allows its user to speak wisely and from a place of love. During challenging times and difficult conversations, Green Apatite is said to protect the emotions to keep its user from getting overwhelmed. The stone also helps in relieving anxiety.

Green Apatite is also great for meditation. It helps its user reconnect with nature and rekindle their relationship with Mother Nature. Meditation practitioners would hold this crystal while going for a leisurely walk in the grass, or while sitting under a tree for a meditation session.

Note: There is no scientific evidence that supports the effectiveness of mineral stones and crystals in treating ailments. All information published here is purely for educational purposes.

Scientists attribute the healing impact to the placebo effect that takes place when using stones and crystals. Holding stones and meditating with them is said to trigger the release of feel-good hormones (endorphins and dopamine) in the brain.

Sources:

King, H. (n.d.). Apatite, Phosphorite and Phosphate Rock. Geology.com. Accessed at https://geology.com/minerals/apatite.shtml

Green Apatite. (n.d.). Crystal Council. Accessed at https://thecrystalcouncil.com/crystals/green-apatite

Green Apatite Meanings and Uses. (n.d.). Crystal Vaults. Accessed at https://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/green-apatite/

Apatite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information. (n.d.). International Gem Society. Accessed at https://www.gemsociety.org/article/apatite-jewelry-and-gemstone-information/

Apatite Meaning and Properties. (n.d.). Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. Accessed at https://www.firemountaingems.com/resources/encyclobeadia/gem-notes/gmstnprprtsptt