This content was first published on IGR – Italian Gemological Review no. 3 in 2018. The information provided here is therefore current as of the original publication date.
Apatite is a calcium phosphate that, despite having a high hardness (5 on the Mohs scale) is often used in the gemmological field due to the fact that it is found in samples characterised by an excellent transparency, good carats and a charming blue in various hues.
These crystals are not present in our peninsula: in Italy apatite is frequently present in alpine cracks and there are numerous locations where this mineral can be found; however, apatite is generally found in small size crystal, of a white, light yellow or pale pink colour and the transparent version is not rare (Figure 17).
The cut stones of alpine apatite (Figure 18) are usually small and are only meant for collection purpose (besides, it is interesting only for collectors of Italian gems or locations). The most important fields are in Val Formazza, Val d’Ala and Valle Aurina.
A purple variety rich in rare soils can be found in Pitigliano, in the volcanic ejecta; currently we have no news of a cut apatite gem from this field.
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Curated by the qualified group of expert of the section Gems of Italy, published on IGR – Italian Gemological Review #3, January 2018.
