Can Apatite Go In Water? (ANSWERED)

Yes apatite can go in water, though we do not recommend extended soaking of any rock, mineral, gem, or crystal.

Apatite is in the middle of the range on the Mohs scale, with a hardness level typically at 5, on a scale where 10 is the hardest stone.

This can make apatite a brittle stone under certain conditions, but it can still withstand some exposure to water.

Learn more about the unique stone known as apatite and its properties here.

Can Apatite Go In Water? (EXPLAINED)

What is Apatite?

Apatite is a fascinating stone with a plethora of uses and functions in the world.

That property alone can give you great confidence when you are wondering if apatite can go in water.

Apatite is composed of phosphate and calcium, which contribute to its hardness and its usefulness in the world.

The name apatite was termed in the eighteenth century by a German scientist named Abraham Werner.

The name came from the Greek word “apate” which means deceive.

Werner thought the stone apatite was deceptive, because it was so similar to many other stones such as tourmaline, topaz, and peridot.

Because apatite can look like so many things, its beauty when used as a gem is infamous.

It also feels like a stone with a hardness that is appreciated in jewelry and home décor.

Still, it is in the middle of the range on the Mohs scale, and as such some jewelers prefer not to work with it as it is easily scratched.

Even so, though you can submerse it in water, you still need to take care of it well.

Physical Properties of Apatite

The physical properties of apatite are the result of a combination of many minerals.

Calcium and phosphate are main components.

There are a number of different kinds of apatite from a physical property perspective.

Those include chlorapatite, fluorapatite, hydroxyapatite.

This stone is a product of igneous and metamorphic rocks.

It typically begins as a small grain that builds into thin layers.

As these layers form, it transforms into sedimentary rock that is rich in different carbon components, and even marble.

Apatite forms in a unique way and can be found in sedimentary rock in time.

Some experts will even say that sedimentary rock that is composed of phosphorite is approximately 80 percent apatite.

Although it is often confused with harder rocks, its softness will give it away.

Another unique property of apatite is that when it is exposed to ultraviolet light it becomes fluorescent.

This mineral is found naturally in multiple places, including the human body.

It can be found in tooth enamel and in some bone mineral.

That will be another clue to its ability to absorb water.

It does not break when exposed to moisture, but it is a softer stone.

Yes, apatite can go in water and is beautiful after it has been submerged.

But extended soaks can be harmful, even to rocks and minerals that can withstand water.

Water has this nasty habit of encouraging cracks (and ultimately breakage), as well as wrecking havoc on the exterior finish of stones.

This is why we don’t recommended extended soaking.

Apatite is found in a wide range of shades which is why it is so easily confused with other stones.

It can be a murky gray in its most primitive form, but it is more commonly seen in yellow, green, and blue colors.

It is typically transparent and goes by other names such as cat’s-eye apatite, asparagus stone, and moroxite when it is blue.

Because it is found in so many different kinds of sedimentary rock, it can be found all over the world.

Apatite is most commonly found in Mexico, Brazil, Myanmar (Burma), Madagascar, India, Germany, Canada, Spain, South Africa, Norway, and the United States.

Uses for Apatite

Even though you can put apatite in water, you want to take additional care with it when you are using it.

One use of apatite is in the environmental capacity.

It is frequently used as a natural fertilizer and in industrial settings for a variety of purposes.

When it is ground, it is the foundation of a pigment.

The Terracotta Army of China in the third century BCE used it, and it is also found in the enamel of Qing Dynasty.

Apatite is also used to develop hydrofluoric acid.

It is used in combination with sulfuric acid, hydrogen fluoride, and phosphoric acid to create hydrofluoric acid.

The hydrofluoric acid will then be used in industrial settings.

Some geologists will also find vanadium and uranium from apatite, depending on where it has been mined.

When some forms of nuclear waste are stored, apatite can often be found to be used as a host element for it.

That is because it can be somewhat compatible with nuclear components.

For the apatite uses that are in everyday use for gemstones, apatite is a cleaner stone that has been mined and faceted for conventional purposes.

It can be found with some dangerous minerals and substances, but is broken through cleavage and fractures to create what many enjoy today as a gemstone.

Care of Apatite

Apatite is an easy stone to take care of.

If you own a few pieces of this lovely rock, you will even enjoy its care.

The answer to the question “can apatite go in water” is yes, and you will love what it looks like after some gentle care with water.

It does have a brittle sense to it, so you want to be sure that you are gentle with it when it is wet.

It can handle dunks in water well, but you don’t want to risk compromising its integrity if you aren’t 100 percent sure of the hardness of the stone that you own.

Mist the stone with water if you aren’t comfortable washing it or submerging it in water.

It will stay beautiful for as long as you own it.

Invest in Apatite

Apatite is a worthwhile stone to own for its beauty alone.

It is often mistaken for so many other stones, and shares their beauty as well.

Yes, it is safe in water and you will still be able to cherish it for many years to come.

Invest in some apatite today in the color of your choice, and you will never regret it.