Apatite is one of a few minerals produced and used by biological micro-environmental systems. Apatite is the defining mineral for 5 on the Moh’s scale of mineral hardness. Hydroxyapatite, also known as hydroxylapatite, is the major component of tooth enamel and bone mineral. A relatively rare form of apatite in which most of the (OH) groups are absent is a large component of bone material.

Apatite is infrequently used as a gemstone. Transparent stones of clear color have been faceted. Chatoyant stones are known as cat’s-eye apatite; transparent green stones are known as asparagus stone; and blue stones have been called moroxite. Crystals of rutile may have grown in the crystal of apatite so when in the right light, the cut stone displays a cat’s eye effect.

Brazil, Burma, and Mexico are the major sources of gem apatite. Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, India, Madagascar, Mozambique, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka and the United States are some other sources of apatite.