Apatite is one of the most beautiful gemstones around and comes in a myriad of stunning colours. Unfortunately it's also incredibly brittle - I've occasionally had apatite crumble in my hands whilst grinding it, and this is from a someone who uses traditional hand gem cutting (which is the gentlest form of gem cutting there is). It's this brittleness which has probably caused apatite's uncommonness in the jewellery world, it's definitelyΒ a stone for special occasion wear only. I love apatite though, and when I was able to source in some lovely natural pale green apatite from Madagascar I jumped at the chance.
The inspiration for this handmade silver pendant was one of roots, and how things are intertwined and woven together to create a unique new story - very apt in this case, as while apatite can form in all rocks types (as long as they are rich in calcium and phosphate) it's most famously formed in sedimentary rocks which were created by the ancient accumulation and compression of calcium/ phosphate rich organic matter, such as bones, shells and teeth; to me that signifies the ability of new life and beauty to grow out of old life and decay. Apatite weaves this together in a sense, helped by what would have been powerful geological forces many years ago, to create what I feel is a this fascinating almost rebirth-like stone.
