Since discoveries in Madagascar (1995) and later Brazil, Apatite has become a hugely popular jewelry gemstone. While Apatite is famously known for coming in almost every shade of blue, Red Apatite is a relatively new Brazilian discovery that has been captivating connoisseurs around the globe. Red Apatite is exceptional not only because of their uniquely beautiful, reddish hue, but also due to their high clarity and scant availability. A new twist on an acclaimed exotic gem from one of the world’s premier gemstone countries, Brazilian Red Apatite is a prized addition to any jewelry box.
Hardness 5
Refractive Index 1.628 – 1.649
Relative Density 3.16 – 3.23
Enhancement Irradiated
Beauty
Representing 50 percent of a gems’ value, color is the most important consideration in gemstones, with red among the most expensive and popular colors in the gem kingdom. Red Apatite displays gorgeous bohemian crimson roses, with beautiful, subtle autumnal russet tones.
Usually found as small crystals, Red Apatite is challenging for the lapidary due to their inherent inclusions and polishing difficulties. Optimal lapidary is absolutely critical to fully realize Apatite’s unique beauty. Carefully faceted by experienced lapidaries with an eye-clean clarity, the highest quality clarity grade for colored gemstones as determined by the world’s leading gemological laboratories, they possess a superior polish resulting in a beautiful luster, as well as a good shape and overall appearance (outline, profile and proportions), giving our expertly faceted, well-polished Red Apatite a premium quality.
A gemological chameleon, Apatite’s name comes from the Greek ‘apatao’ (to deceive) due to a historical confusion with other gemstones. Apatite’s propensity for deception even has its roots in Greek mythology. One of the spirits released from Pandora’s Box, Apate is the goddess of deceit, fraud and trickery. While its name is really about how Apatite can fool you, it does sound a bit like ‘appetite’ and there actually is a ‘hunger’ connection; a calcium phosphate, Apatite crystals are one of the components of teeth and bones in all vertebrate animals. Apatite is actually several different minerals depending on whether chlorine, fluorine, hydroxyl or strontium replaces the calcium.
Rarity
Typically colored by rare earth elements, Apatite is a gorgeous gem that occurs in blue, brown, gray, green, pink, purple, red, teal, violet, white, and yellow. While Apatite is an abundant mineral found in many countries, gem-quality crystals are very rare and plagued by sporadic production. Apatite’s inherent geological scarcity is also heightened by faceting difficulties.
First documented in 1877, Brazilian Apatite has been found in many states, including Amazonas, Bahia, Espírito Santo, Gioás, Minas Gerais, Paraíba, Rio Grande do Norte, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo. However, mining is very limited, making it challenging to source. Red Apatite was discovered approximately three years ago from a secret Brazilian location, yet to be disclosed.
Durability & Care
A popular jewelry gemstone (Mohs’ Hardness: 5), Red Apatite should always be stored carefully to avoid scuffs and scratches. Clean with gentle soap and lukewarm water, scrubbing behind the gem with a very soft toothbrush as necessary. After cleaning, pat dry with a soft towel or chamois cloth.
