Apatite is the stone associated with animal conservation, because it is composed of the mineral phosphate that makes up the teeth and bones of all vertebrate animals, as well as their horns, antlers and tusks.

HISTORY

The stone was named Apatite by the German geologist Abraham Gottlob Werner in 1786, although the specific mineral he had described was reclassified as Fluorapatite in 1860 by the German mineralogist Karl Friedrich August Rammelsberg. Apatite is often mistaken for other minerals. This tendency is reflected in the mineral's name, which is derived from the Greek word απατείν (apatein), which means to deceive or to be misleading.

COMPOSITION

Apatite is a group of phosphate minerals, usually referring to hydroxyapatite, fluorapatite and chlorapatite, with high concentrations of OH−, F− and Cl− ions, respectively, in the crystal. The formula of the admixture of the three most common end members is written as Ca10(PO4)6(OH,F,Cl)2, and the crystal unit cell formulae of the individual minerals are written as Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, Ca10(PO4)6F2 and Ca10(PO4)6Cl2.

HARDNESS

Mohs Scale Hardness: 5

The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a qualitative ordinal scale characterizing scratch resistance of various minerals through the ability of harder material to scratch softer material.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Apatite is thought to aid in the absorption of calcium, repair cartilage, bones and teeth, and encourage the formation of new cells. It has been said to improve arthritis and joint problems. It heals the glands, meridians, organs and overcomes hypertension. Apatite may be used to soothe headaches and help with vertigo. It stimulates eyesight, soothes eyestrain, and helps correct eye problems stemming from lack of eye movement. Apatite can help in suppressing hunger, raising the metabolic rate, and encouraging healthy eating habits.

Blue Apatite encourages the formation of new cells and aids in the absorption of calcium. It helps heal bones and teeth, repair cartilage, and is useful in the treatments for rickets, joint problems, arthritis, and motor skills. [Hall, 63][Gienger, 15]

Blue Apatite is associated with healthy eating, and has been credited with suppressing hunger and raising the metabolic rate. It is generally supportive in healing all glands, meridians, and organs, and reduces hypertension. [Hall, 63][Eason, 230]

Blue Apatite may be used to soothe headaches and help with vertigo or dizziness. It stimulates eyesight, and is particularly good for excessive eyestrain or other problems rooted in lack of eye movement. [Ahsian, 42]