What Type of Rock Is Apatite?

Minerals

• Apatite, which forms hexagonal or six-sided crystals, consists of calcium phosphate bonded with different minerals. For example, when calcium phosphate bonds with fluorine, the result is fluorapatite. Other forms of apatite are chlorapatite, hydroxylapatite and francolite, which contains carbonate. Fluorapatite is the most common type of apatite, according to MineralMiners.com. Many types of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks contain apatite. Phosphate fertilizer can be obtained from mining sedimentary rocks, which are sometimes referred to as "phosphate rocks."

Colors

• Apatite can exist in colors like green, yellow, brown, blue, pink, purple, red or violet. The stone has been confused with other gemstones like periodot, beryl and olivine, which are more valuable, according to GemTradeNet.com. Apatite can also be colorless. It is found around the world in countries including Austria, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Germany, India, Israel, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden and the United States.

Gemstone

• Because of its widespread distribution, prices for apatite as a gemstone are low to moderate, compared to other stones. Colors in the blue and red range are rarer and command higher prices. Color and clarity are the most important determinants of price. At 5 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness, it is a medium-hard stone that can be used in many types of jewelry, but it can be damaged if worn regularly in a ring.

Additional Information

• The popularity of apatite as a gemstone is limited by the difficulty of cutting and polishing it. Because it is brittle, It fractures unevenly. It can be damaged by heat, abrasives and chemicals, and can be scratched with a steel blade. Apatite can exist as glassy crystals, masses or nodular forms. In addition, it is not only found in many rock deposits; it is also an important constituent of bones and teeth.