Apatite is a natural colored calcium fluoride phosphate, with carbonate, hydroxyl or chlorine sometimes replacing the fluoride. It is used in the manufacture of fertilizers and is a source of phosphorus for plants. The name ‘Apatite’ stems from the Greek word "apate" that means "to deceive", in reference to its striking similarity to other more valuable minerals, such as Peridot and Beryl.

Apatite is found worldwide, in Russia, Canada, Mexico, Spain and Africa.

Apatite is composed of three different minerals depending on the predominance of either fluorine, chlorine or the hydroxyl group. These are considered together due to the difficulty in distinguishing them in hand samples using ordinary methods.

Apatite is found in all igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. The softness of Apatite prevents its acceptance as a gemstone, though it can be cut as a gem. The nature of this gemstone varies from being transparent to opaque, with colors ranging from yellow, green, blue, violet and colorless.