Apatite: History, Origin, Composition, Virtues, Significance and Recharging of the stone

Apatite is a stone widely recognized for its virtues in lithotherapy. Apatite not only helps weight loss, but also promotes communication. Its color variations make the stone even more attractive, from its oceanic blue to its vegetal green and bewitching purple...

However, Apatite remains a strange natural stone, due to its mysterious and vague history.

History of Apatite stone

The natural stone Apatite from the Greek "apatos" means "to deceive" or "deception". Its name comes from the Greek goddess Apate, who is the goddess of deceit and dishonesty. It is so named because of its many colors, which can easily be confused with other stones such as topaz, beryl or olivine.

The history of apatite stone is very mysterious, as it has no real documentation due to its difficulty in being recognized. It is often confused with tourmalines or calcite (and other varieties). As a result, it resembles a variety of stones that are not easily identifiable, as their color tones tend to be similar in many cases. However, for centuries, this mineral is said to have been used by weight-loss enthusiasts due to its mineral composition.

Its history remains vague, however, as it wasn't until 1767 that Spanish naturalist Pedro Francisco Dávila discovered apatite's composition and gave it the name "phosphoric stone". It wasn't until 1786 that mineralogist Abraham Gottlob Werner gave it the name Apatite.

Apatite is the only mineral found in the human body. It can be found in crystalline form, notably in tooth enamel. It is also found in certain animals and/or fish. What's more, some studies show that traces of Apatite were present on skeletons and even dinosaurs, as well as on the surface of the Moon.

Origin and composition of apatite stone

Apatite is a group of hexagonal phosphates, more of the fluorinated and chlorinated calcium phosphate type. Its Ca5 (PO4)3(OH,CI,F) composition is complex and is finally recognized by the IMA under 3 species, Chloropatite Ca5(PO)3CI, Fluorapatite Ca5(PO)3F and Hydroxyapatite Ca5(PO)3(OH). It has a specific gravity of around 3.1 to 3.2, depending on the variety.

Apatite's color is generally green, and can range from violet and blue to yellow, red and brown-gray. In its pure form, this fine stone is colorless, but takes on a variety of colors depending on the chemical elements of which it is composed (e.g. chromium).

Apatites can be found in metamorphic rocks, sedimentary rocks or hydrothermal seams. Sedimentary rocks are the perfect marine environment for Apatite formation, thanks to their high content of phosphate-bearing organic debris.

Origin of Apatite stone

Main deposits of this fine stone Apatite are located in Brazil, India, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Russia, Burma and the United States. It should be noted that different colors of apatite can be found in different regions.

• Colorless apatite, Germany, Italy and Myanmar.
• Violet apatite, Portugal and the United States.
• Pink to dark purple apatite, Pakistan.
• Blue apatite, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
• Blue-green apatite, Madagascar and Sri Lanka.

Apatite hardness is 5 on the Mohs scale.

Virtues and Significance of Apatite in Lithotherapy

Apatite is considered a stone of communication. Each color has a different meaning and virtues.

Apatite in lithotherapy

On a physical level Apatite can regulate appetite to the point of weight loss. It supports the digestive system. If taken as an elixir, the stone is useful for muscle and joint pain. If worn, apatite improves the solidification of bones and teeth. In addition, as a stone of communication, Apatite alleviates language problems, promotes oral expression and stimulates listening skills and self-confidence.

On a spiritual level, the stone has emotionally and mentally soothing properties. Apatite absorbs negativity from oneself or others. It has the ability to fortify self-confidence and motivate one to follow through on one's ambitions.

By color :

• Yellow apatite hardens the spirit.
• Green apatite heals the broken-hearted and helps win back love.
• Cat's eye apatite improves night vision and reflexes.

Please note that lithotherapy cannot replace medical treatment or expertise.

Apatite stone meaning

Apatite symbolizes communication. Its symbolism gives it its close connection with the throat chakra for its oral benefits as well as for self-expression and/or communication, and physically for the functioning of the throat as well as the ears. It is also linked to the solar plexus chakra for its revitalizing aspects on the stomach.

Astrological signs sensitive to Apatite are Sagittarius, Capricorn, Libra and Gemini. Apatite can be associated with the birth month of December, as an alternative to Blue Zircon.

Apatite stone care, purification and recharging

It is necessary to clean and purify your Apatite stones. To do so, place your stones in a bath of distilled water (unsalted) for 2 to 3 hours.

Once clean, refill the Apatite with a cluster of quartz next to it.