A rare variety is a rich purple from Maine. Blue Brazilian stones are second in demand. A light green variety of apatite carries the trade name "asparagus stone". The recent availability of the neon blue-green variety from Madagascar has resulted in more apatite jewelry. The color of the best specimens of this type rivals the famed Paraiba tourmalines, but apatite lacks tourmaline's toughness and hardness. As for any other gems, color saturation defines the value. Apatite is a transparent gemstone. Some of the blue and yellow apatite show chatoyancy and can be cut as cat's eyes.
Lesser or unknown gems share the same destiny: no access to fame, myth, legends or the zodiac scheme. Care forapatite is similar to that given opals, it is heat and shock sensitive, so steamers and ultrasonic must be avoided. The stone is slightly too soft to recommend for rings.
