A Gemstone By What Name ?

I am sure many will recognize the name of this specific gemstone from the pictures. But does everyone call it Apatite ? In today's market, the neon blue green stones are valued much more highly than greenish or yellow stones, except for the cat's-eye. The rarest of all varieties is a rich purple Apatite found only in Maine and tops the list for value. Apatite, a stone seldom found in jewelry stores and virtually unknown to the general public, is beloved by collectors for its many different colors and forms. Only with the recent availability of the neon blue-green variety from Madagascar has its jewelry use and value increased. It is now being called the 'poor man's' Paraiba Tourmaline because of the color similarity, but alas, this gem lacks the Tourmalines toughness and hardness. At 5 on the Mohs scale, Apatite must be cut, set, and worn gently. Earrings, pendants, pins and tie tacks are probably safe, but ring and bracelet use should be limited to occasional wear pieces with protective settings. Care for this stone is similar to that given Opals, it is heat and shock sensitive, so steamers and ultrasonics must be avoided.

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Now then what name do you really know this gemstone by ?

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The following are all common names for Apatite found around the world.

Apatite

Asparagus Stone

Berilo

Carbonateatite

Chlorapatite

Collophane

Fluroapatite

Francolite

Hydioxylapatite

Lazurapatite

Maganapatite

Moroxite

Trilliumite

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And I am sure there are some names I have missed.

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Gemstones in the Rough !

Without going into a long explanation or discussion of where to find, how to find and what you might have to do to find gemstones lying around, or when having to dig them out of the ground, here are some pictures of some "rocks" that one might run into while "Rock Hounding", if you go to the right location.

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For many, it could be a short trip as some of the most important deposits of Amazonite are found in Colorado (since 1876). Other locations where Amazonite is found are in Brazil, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia, Russia and Zimbabwe.

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Now if you want to get a sample of Ametrine, it will require a trip way back into the hills of Bolivia. This is a one source stone from the Anahi Mine.

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Although similar red rocks (Jasper) can be found in many locations, some of the best in the Big Bend Area of Texas, this particular piece that contains Red River Jasper and Red Variscite is only found in the 'Outback' of Australia.

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Sodalite can be found in many locations from Africa, to China to South America. This particular piece of blue Sodalite comes from Brazil.

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This unique find of blue Apatite came from the Diamond Mine area of Arkansas, but Apatite comes from all over -- Brazil, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar (Burma), Norway, Sri Lanka, South Africa and the several locations in the United States.

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The name gives this unique find from the Pacific Ocean California beaches away, San Joaquin Green Jade.

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Discovered on the Island of St. Paul, near the coast of Labrador, Labradorite is a very unusual form of Opaline Felspar. Although originally found only in Labradore, it has now been discovered in Madagascar and other locations near volcanic activity.

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Spider Web Jasper can be found in many locations to include Idaho, Oregon, Arizona and New Mexico to name a few. This particular piece came from Arizona.

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Fluorite is very common throughout the world. But rockhounds in Arizona have to look twice so they don't confuse this nice yellow-green Fluorite with Arizona Peridot.

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Chrysoprase is a common find in Australia, but also comes from Poland and the United States. It is considered the rarest form of Chalcedony.

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