Blue Apatite is a stunning crystal that falls into the category of phosphate minerals. It can be found in a variety of vivid colors like yellow, green, gray, and brown, but the brilliant blue form is often the most prized. Blue Apatite hails from deposits around the world, including the bountiful mines of Russia’s Kirovsk region. Other sources lie in Brazil, Burma, Madagascar, Mexico, Canada, and Germany. Of all the Apatite hues, the blue is considered the most beautiful and spiritually potent. It resonates with the throat chakra, unlocking inner power, clarity, and manifestation abilities.
Blue Apatite has been cherished since ancient times for its metaphysical properties. It is known as a stone of the future, opening psychic channels and expanding consciousness. Blue Apatite helps to activate personal power to achieve aspirations, clearing away barriers like confusion, apathy, and negativity. It stimulates the intellect, grounding ideas into tangible realization. Many also believe it can strengthen communication skills when worn close to the throat.
In addition to its metaphysical uses, Blue Apatite serves many important industrial purposes. Its high phosphorous content makes it a crucial source of phosphate for fertilizers. Blue Apatite is also used to make phosphoric acid, elemental phosphorus, phosphate compounds, animal feed supplements, and vivid pigments. The brilliant crystals even provided pigment for the famous Terracotta Army of ancient China. For over 2500 years, Blue Apatite has been prized for its beauty, spirituality, and versatility.
Where Blue Apatite is Found
The largest deposit of Blue Apatite lies in Kirovsk, Russia. This deposit was discovered in 1846 and mining began in 1866. Kirovsk is located in the remote Khibiny Mountains on the Kola Peninsula. The area contains a massive alkaline igneous intrusion that provides ideal conditions for Apatite formation.
Other major sources of Blue Apatite include Brazil, Burma, Madagascar, Mexico, Canada, and Germany. In Brazil, rich deposits are found in the state of Minas Gerais. Burmese Apatite hails from Hpakant in the northern Kachin region. Madagascan Apatite is mined near the south coast at Tulear.
Blue Apatite forms deep underground through igneous and metamorphic processes. It crystallizes in fissures and veins called hydrothermal deposits. These hot aqueous environments allow phosphate mineralization under high pressure. Apatite also concentrates heavily in alkaline and pegmatite igneous rocks rich in phosphorus.
An interesting fact about Blue Apatite formations is that the blue color arises from phosphate replacements of hydroxide ions in the crystal structure. The vivid blue shades occur when there are enough phosphate substitutions to disrupt the lattice spacing. This causes light to scatter and reflect in the blue wavelengths.
Comparison Table of Blue Apatite and Other Minerals
Mineral | Hardness | Crystal System | Colors | Metaphysical Properties | Uses |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blue Apatite | 5 | Hexagonal | Blue, green, yellow, brown, gray | Communication, manifestation, motivation, intellect | Jewelry, pigments, fertilizer, supplements |
Amethyst | 7 | Trigonal | Purple, violet | Spirituality, calm, sobriety, peace | Jewelry, carvings, laser technology |
Turquoise | 5-6 | Triclinic | Blue, green, yellow | Protection, wisdom, luck, friendship | Jewelry, art, anti-aging creams |
Lapis Lazuli | 5-6 | Cubic | Deep blue with gold flecks | Truth, enlightenment, wisdom, protection | Jewelry, pigments, carvings, mosaics |
Malachite | 4 | Monoclinic | Shades of green | Transformation, vitality, luck, travel | Jewelry, pigments, talismans |
Tiger’s Eye | 7 | Trigonal | Golden brown, blue, red | Courage, wealth, vitality, focus | Jewelry, ornaments, protective amulets |
Obsidian | 5-6 | Amorphous | Black, brown, red, rainbow | Protection, grounding, healing, stress relief | Arrowheads, knives, jewelry, scrying |
Metaphysical Properties of Blue Apatite
Blue Apatite is strongly connected to the throat chakra, also known as Vishuddha. This chakra relates to communication, self-expression, and truth. It governs the thyroid, parathyroid, jaw, neck, mouth, and vocal cords. Emotionally it deals with personal expression and creativity.
Wearing or carrying Blue Apatite can help open and align this chakra. This promotes clearer communication, powerful self-expression, and living one’s truth. Opening the throat chakra is said to relieve tension, depression, and timidity.
In crystal healing, Blue Apatite is valued for:
- Boosting personal power to achieve goals
- Dispelling confusion, apathy, and negativity
- Activating psychic abilities
- Expanding consciousness and knowledge
- Anchoring ideas from the mind into reality
- Strengthening communication skills
- Promoting inner clarity and focus
- Improving yin-yang balance within the self
- Supporting weight loss and metabolism
- Aiding recovery from illnesses and surgery
- Easing headaches, stress and neuralgia
- Harmonizing the endocrine system
Overall, Blue Apatite is an excellent stone for personal growth, manifestation, communication, and balance. It bridges the physical and spiritual realms.
Uses of Blue Apatite
In addition to crystal healing, Blue Apatite has many industrial uses:
- Fertilizer production – It’s a crucial source of phosphates for fertilizers. Mined phosphate rock provides phosphorus, a vital plant nutrient. Most industrially-produced fertilizers today contain phosphate derived from Apatite.
- Animal feed supplements – Blue Apatite helps provide essential nutrients like supplemental phosphorus and calcium. This supports bone health, growth, and milk production in livestock.
- Chemical industry – It’s used to manufacture phosphoric acid, elemental phosphorus, and phosphate compounds. These have applications in chemicals, food additives, electronics, detergents, metals, and more.
- Pigments – Blue Apatite provides vivid green and blue pigments. Ground Blue Apatite even gave color to the famous Terracotta Army of ancient China! Finely powdered Apatite makes excellent paint fillers and coatings too.
- Phosphors – Apatite crystals are used to make phosphors, which give off light when energized. Phosphors are used in fluorescent lights, LEDs, cathode ray tubes, x-ray screens, and more.
- Soil amendment – Powdered phosphate rock amends soils that are low in phosphorus. This helps plants and crops grow in phosphorus-deficient areas.
- Oil refining – Apatite helps refine vegetable oils like soybean, palm, and canola oil. It removes soaps, metals, and other contaminants.
- Ceramics – Apatite is occasionally used as a flux in ceramics and glass making. It promotes vitrification at lower temperatures.
Blue Apatite is also popular for jewelry and ornamental carvings. The vivid blues and greens make beautiful gemstones. Collectors also prize rare crystal specimens.
Caring for Blue Apatite
Blue Apatite has a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale, so it’s somewhat soft and fragile. This means it can be scratched by a knife blade or everyday glass. So avoid wearing it while doing physical work or exposing it to abrasives. Don’t let it knock around with harder gems that could scratch it.
Store Blue Apatite carefully to prevent chips and cracks. Wrap it in soft cloth or place in its own compartment. Tumbled or round beads are quite durable for jewelry, while raw crystals and cabochons need gentle care. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners on Blue Apatite.
Cleanse Blue Apatite by holding it under cool running water or placing it in rice overnight. Don’t use hot water as thermal shock can fracture it. Recharge it by placing in sunlight for a short time. Take care not to overexpose it to light. Apatite’s blue color will fade if left in sunlight for prolonged periods.
Identifying Authentic Blue Apatite
Natural Blue Apatite can be distinguished from synthetic Apatite via specialized testing. Synthetics are made to emulate the same chemical structure and physical qualities. But basic tests can weed out obvious fakes:
- Clarity – Natural Apatite usually has internal flaws while synthetics appear very clean.
- Hardness – Apatite’s hardness should be around 5 on the Mohs scale. Glass and resin imitations are much softer.
- Density – Real Apatite sinks in water while imitations float. Natural Apatite has a density of 3.2 g/cm3.
- Fluorescence – Apatite shows yellow or green fluorescence under UV light. Fakes may not react.
Avoid sellers offering deals that seem too good to be true. And beware cheap simulated “Blue Apatite” made from glass or resin. Deal only with reputable sellers and insist on gemological reports for expensive specimens. Advanced testing can verify the phosphorus composition in natural vs synthetic Apatite.
Where to Buy Blue Apatite
Blue Apatite can be purchased from new age shops, specialty gem dealers, mineral shows, and online marketplaces like Etsy. Prices range widely depending on quality. Small tumbled stones are affordable – $5 to $20. Tumble-polished beads may cost $1 to $5 per gram.
Faceted Apatite gemstones of 1 to 2 carats can cost $30 to $100 per carat. Fine gemstone cabochons over 5 carats may sell for $100 to $300 per carat. Rare collector crystals of museum quality can cost thousands per piece.
When buying Blue Apatite, try to verify reputable and ethical sources. Some Apatite mining has negative social and environmental impacts if not managed properly. Irresponsible mining may damage habitats, pollute water, and exploit mineworkers.
Seek fair trade stones when possible. Ethical sourcing supports safe and sustainable mining practices. Or look for Apatite from vintage or estate collections for a responsible alternative.
Interesting Facts and Legends
Blue Apatite has a long history of mystical lore and fascination:
- In medieval times, Apatite was thought to strengthen the mind against temptation and bring spiritual inspiration. Warriors would carry it for courage and insight.
- Ancient Egyptian sculptures show figures wearing Apatite jewelry. It was associated with the hawk god Sokar and linked to inner vision.
- Apatite gets its name from the Greek word “apatao” meaning “to deceive.” This referred to Apatite’s similar appearance to other minerals like beryl and tourmaline.
- In 18th century Europe, powdered Apatite was believed to enhance intellect and learning abilities when ingested. But this proved unsafe.
- Apatite crystals were first synthesized in 1830 by German geologist Gustav Rose – an important milestone in mineralogy.
- The largest known Apatite crystals were found in Kirovsk, Russia and reach up to 3 meters long. The towers took over 50 million years to form.
- In 2001, a 44 lb Apatite sculpture sold for over $925,000 at the Christie’s auction house. It was carved into a fish shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Blue Apatite form?
Blue Apatite formed millions of years ago in igneous and metamorphic rocks under high heat and pressure. It crystallized from hot mineral-rich solutions in veins and cavities known as hydrothermal deposits.
What makes Blue Apatite blue?
The blue color comes from phosphate mineral replacements of hydroxide ions in the crystal structure. This causes light scattering that reflects blue wavelengths.
Is Blue Apatite expensive?
Prices range widely. Small tumble stones may cost $5-$20. Fine gemstones can be $100 per carat. Large collector crystals may cost thousands.
Is Blue Apatite rare?
Natural Blue Apatite is not extremely rare but high quality specimens are uncommon. The best blues are found in remote deposits.
How should I clean Blue Apatite?
Clean gently with room temperature water. Don’t use ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Avoid harsh chemicals. Rice baths also work.
Can I wear Blue Apatite jewelry every day?
Yes but be gentle with it. Avoid knocks, bumps, and exposing it to abrasives. Remove during physical activities.
Does Blue Apatite need to be charged?
Like other crystals, occasional recharging in sunlight helps maintain its metaphysical energies. But don’t overexpose.
What is Blue Apatite used for?
It’s used in crystal healing, jewelry, carvings, pigments, fertilizers, supplements, chemicals, soil amendment, and more!
Is Blue Apatite toxic?
No, it is non-toxic. But ingesting or inhaling apatite powder is unsafe.
Conclusion
With its stunning blue hues and spiritual energies, it’s easy to see why Blue Apatite has been treasured for millennia. This marvelous mineral has so much to offer in the realms of crystal healing, personal growth, jewelry, and industry. Whether you’re looking to make a connection, manifest dreams, or admire natural beauty, Blue Apatite is a stone of hidden depths.
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