Rare Usa
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Many gemstone lovers are fascinated by the ancient lore associated with gemstones, especially in relation to the human body. But whatever you might think about the alleged healing powers of gems, there is one gemstone mineral which is actually produced and used by the human body. That mineral is apatite.
While apatite is a common mineral, gem-quality apatite is quite rare. Apatite is known by gemstone connoisseurs especially for two colors: the paraiba-like blue green, and the leek-green color which once earned apatite the name 'asparagus stone.' There is also a very rare deep purple apatite, found in the aptly named Mount Apatite in Maine, USA.
But from the point of view of mineralogy, apatite is a group of phosphate minerals, including hydroxylapatite, fluorapatite and chlorapatite. These vary according to the concentration of hydroxide, fluorine or chlorine ions in the crystal. Hydroxylapatite is the major component of tooth enamel and makes up 70% of our bones.
Apatite-rich rock is also the most important source of phosphorus in the world. Phosphorus is an essential chemical in phosphate fertilizers. Phosphorus is also widely used in explosives, fireworks, pesticides, toothpaste and detergents.
While tooth enamel is the hardest material in the human body, apatite is not especially hard compared to other gemstones, with a rating of only 5 on the Mohs scale. So apatite jewelry is usually confined to earrngs and pendants or occasional wear rings with protective settings. Apatite is also sensitive to heat and acids, so should not be worn when working with chemicals.
When crytals of rutile grow in apatite, the stones may display the chatoyancy or the cat's eye effect when the gem is cut as a cabochon.
Gem-quality apatite is found in a number of places in the world, including Burma, Brazil and Mexico. The neon blue-green material is found chiefly in Madagascar. When evaluating an apatite gem, color saturation is very important, since the more intense the color, the most valuable the gem. Stones over one carat are rare and will command higher prices in the market. It is unusual to find clean apatite; most pieces have at least some inclusions.
GemSelect is a leading online dealer in loose gemstones, including apatite, sapphire, spinel, garnet, tourmaline and zircon. Apatite Gem Photos
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Rare $12.49 Rare |
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Rare Winter Snowfall, Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA $24.99 Richard Cummins Rare Winter Snowfall, Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA - Photographic Print |
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Heller's Blazingstar (Liatris Helleri), a Rare and Endangered Species, North Carolina, USA $24.99 Rob & Ann Simpson Heller's Blazingstar (Liatris Helleri), a Rare and Endangered Species, North Carolina, USA - Photographic Print |
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Randall Blue Lineback, Rare Breed of Domestic Cattle, Connecticut, USA $19.99 Lynn M. Stone Randall Blue Lineback, Rare Breed of Domestic Cattle, Connecticut, USA - Premium Poster |
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Bill Clinton Signed Very Rare President Usa Flag Photo $534.4 Bill Clinton Signed Very Rare President Usa Flag Photo BILL CLINTON SIGNED VERY RARE PRESIDENT USA FLAG PHOTOEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee. |
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Rare Winter Snowfall, Lost Horse Valley, Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA $24.99 Richard Cummins Rare Winter Snowfall, Lost Horse Valley, Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA - Photographic Print |
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Rare Winter Snowfall, Hidden Valley, Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA $24.99 Richard Cummins Rare Winter Snowfall, Hidden Valley, Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA - Photographic Print |
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Humpback Chub (Gila Cypha), a Rare and Endangered Species, Colorado River Basin, Western USA $24.99 Ken Lucas Humpback Chub (Gila Cypha), a Rare and Endangered Species, Colorado River Basin, Western USA - Photographic Print |
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Genuine Rare Ametrine and Diamond Ring $949 Genuine Rare Ametrine and Diamond Ring crafted in 14 kt White Gold 2.00 Carats Octagon Cut 9x7mm. Color: Bicolor Yellow Purple Clarity: Clean, 12 Stones 0.12 Carats Round Diamonds Color: I Clarity: SI1 - SI2 Made in USA . Metal Available: 14 kt Yellow Gold, 14 kt White Gold. |
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Genuine Rare Ametrine Emerald Cut Ring $399.99 Genuine Rare Ametrine Emerald Cut Ring crafted in 14 kt White Gold 3.20 Carats Ametrine Emerald Cut 10x8mm. Color: Bicolor Yellow Purple Clarity: Clean Made in USA . Metal Available: 14 kt Yellow Gold, 14 kt White Gold. |
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The Rare Collection $45 The Rare Collection |
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The Rare Monro $6.49 The Rare Monro |
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Rare and Unreleased $12.49 Rare and Unreleased |
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Rare Django $12.49 Rare Django |
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Rare Trax $12.49 Rare Trax |
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Rare Forms $9.99 Rare Forms |
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Live And Rare $10.49 Live And Rare |
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Rare Mod $10.49 Rare Mod |
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Rare And Unissued $12.49 Rare And Unissued |
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Rare Bird $10.49 Rare Bird |
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Rare And Unreleased $12.49 Rare And Unreleased |
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Rare Verdi $11.49 Rare Verdi |
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Rare Gems $8.99 Rare Gems |
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A Rare Hunger $13.29 A Rare Hunger |
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Good And Rare $7.79 Good And Rare |
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Rare Cuts! $7.99 Rare Cuts! |
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Rare Breed, The $4.99 Rare Breed, The |



US $55.99

































































































