Description
Apatite, Neon, Natural, Chips, 32in Strand, 8x4mm
Neon apatite is an absolutely electrifying gemstone known for its intense, surreal blue and green shades that look almost radioactive. The word apatite comes from the Greek word "apatao", meaning "to deceive". In Greek mythology, Apate was the goddess of trickery. It got this name because it looks so much like other expensive gems that it routinely fools collectors and gemologists.
Apatite is extremely familiar to your body. It is a calcium phosphate mineral, which is the exact same material that makes up human teeth and bones! Its otherworldly glow isn't artificial. The electric, neon appearance comes naturally from trace amounts of rare earth elements and manganese trapped inside the crystal structure as it forms in cooling magma or metamorphic rock.
Major sources for gem apatite are Brazil, Myanmar, and Mexico. Other sources include Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, India, Madagascar, Mozambique, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, and the United States.
Hardness 5
