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This month we will tell you about apatite, a very common mineral occurring in such a wide variety of attractive colors and forms so as to be a favorite among gemstone collectors. The range of colors include colorless, pink, yellow, green, blue and violet.  A rare variety is a rich purple from Maine. Blue Brazilian stones are second in demand. Madagascar is known to produce a neon blue-green material that is highly desirable. Light-green apatite carries the trade name 'asparagus stone'. The color of the best specimens of apatite can rival famed Paraiba tourmaline and, as for any other gem, color saturation defines the value.  What is curious to know is that the word 'apatite' was derived from a Greek word meaning 'cheat'. The name was given to apatite because of its close resemblance to several other precious gemstones. As a result of many people being 'cheated', apatite became unfairly labeled as the 'deceitful stone'. Amblygonite, andalusite, brazilianite, precious beryl, sphene, topaz and tourmaline can all be confused with apatite. Despite all this we have been deeply fascinated by the colour of this gemstone, cruelly thought of in the jewellery business as a poor mineral, immediately deciding to produce some pieces showing its wonderful colours. Light blue like a caraibic sea, blue like a summer sky...plenty of suggestions coming just at the right moment, with summer holidays approaching quickly. Whatever the final destination will be don't forget to bring along the perfect jewels matching summer tan, blue ocean waves and a starred sky ! Of course it should be BRUSI !!!   |