Apatite

5Hardness (Mohs)

Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,Cl,OH)Chemistry

7Known origins & mines

Neon blue-green apatite from Madagascar's Ibity massif dominates the market; Brazilian Bahia and Mexican Durango (yellow) also produce. Softness limits it to pendants and earrings.

Known origins & mines

Ibity Apatite Massif · Madagascar

Active mining · Major source

Ibity's neon blue-green apatite glows like tourmaline at softer prices — Madagascar dominates gem apatite from these central highland pegmat…

Durango Apatite Caves · Mexico

Historic mine · Minor occurrence

Cerro de Mercado iron mine caves grew famous yellow-brown apatite crystals — the mineralogical standard specimen locality worldwide.…

Mount Apatite Auburn · United States

Historic mine · Notable deposit

Maine pegmatite literally named for its apatite - source of rare deep purple gems prized by collectors since the 19th century.…

Berry Feldspar Quarry · United States

Historic mine · Notable deposit

Brown Derby #4,5, White Spar #1,2 · United States

Active mining · Notable deposit

Comet Group · United States

Natural occurrence · Minor occurrence

Thomas-Union Lodes · United States

Active mining · Notable deposit