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Apatite Rings
Apatite may be regarded as a single mineral, but is usually divided into three more minerals:
Fluorapatite, Chlorapatite, and Hydroxylapatite. Since it is hard to distinguish
between these minerals, and since they may partially replace each other, a distinction between them is rarely made, and they
are simply called "Apatite". However, most Apatite is Fluorapatite, the most common member by far.
Apatite is the most
common phosphate mineral, and is the main source of the phosphorus required by plants. The bones and teeth of most animals,
including humans, are of the same material as Apatite.
Apatite is named from the
Greek word apate, which means "deceit", since Apatite has a similar appearance to so many minerals.
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Beautiful 6x8 oval green apatite cabochon that resembles tourmaline set in a fine silver bezel and mounted on a hammered
sterling silver band. Size 5½.
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Amazing intensely colored 6x8 blue-green apatite cabochon that I mounted with a silver flower accent and placed atop
a hand-made size 7 fancy split shank sterling silver ring.
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