How Much is Apatite Worth

High-quality apatite is affordable in sizes ranging from 0.50-1.00 carats and the cost per carat is between $10.00 to $100.00 per carat but when you move up in size the cost per carat rises sharply. Neon blue apatite costs $50.00-$300.00 per carat for sizes ranging from 1.00-3.00 carats plus. Brazil Blue will demand even higher prices per carat.

Brazil Blue is regarded as the best in the world due to its unique blue-to-blue-green color with medium saturation.

Apatite comes in a range of colors and saturations but the blue gemstones have the highest demand. The medium tone and high saturation stones bring the highest cost per carat. Extremely large stones can bring a premium but the color and clarity must be pristine.

The main sources of high-quality apatite come from Brazil, Myanmar, and Madagascar.

 

 

 

How to determine value and cost

When determining the value of the gemstone you will be using GIA guidelines which means color, clarity, carat weight and cut.  You’ll want to look at each one of these individually and then circle back when finished to evaluate the stone as a whole. If you need help identifying apatite then go here first.

Color is going to be the most important factor when determining the value of gemstones.  Clarity and carat weight are tied for the second most important factor.  When valuing apatite you’ll need to know that Brazil Blue is the most sought after with apatite sourced from Madagascar a close second.

 

Color – The more intense the color the more valuable the stone is.  When dealing with warm colors, think of red and orange, you’ll want to determine if there are brown undertones.  If you can’t see brown undertones then the color should be very vibrant.  The more vibrant and saturated the color the more expensive the gemstone.  If the gemstone has a unique “neon-like glow” then it will demand the highest price per carat.

 

Clarity – Buyers, and collectors prefer stones with no internal inclusions visible to the eye. Amethyst can be found with visible inclusions all the way to flawless.  To determine the clarity ranking you’ll need at a minimum a 10x loop and a higher-powered microscope to confirm internally flawless and flawless designations.

If you can visibly see the inclusion while holding the gemstone then the highest designation would be SI1 and if the inclusion detracts from the overall beauty of the stone then the clarity designation would be I1 – I3.

Clarity designations – FL, IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, I1, I2, I3

 

 

Carat – Apatite can be found in sizes ranging from below 1 carat to above 10 carats.  Generally speaking, apatite can be sourced in most sizes but larger stones with exceptional color and clarity will bring a premium due to rarity.

 

Cut – It is sad to say but cut has the least impact on value and cost unless it affects the stone in an extreme way.  For example, when you look at the stone you would be able to see through it which means light is not being reflected back to the eye.  This is called a window in the stone and it would have to be quite large to impact the price.  The other extreme would occur when you look at a stone and see a rough circle or oval shape inside the stone.  This occurs when the stone is very shallow and it’s reflecting the rough girdle inside the stone.  Note: the girdle is the edge/side of the stone where the pavilion and crown meet.

 

Apatite Colors by Value

 

 

Yellow Apatite price per carat = $10.00 – $20.00

• Large sizes are common
• Can be found in earrings and pendants
• Lapidary artists will custom facet these pieces

 

 

Neon Blue Apatite price per carat = $200.00 – $300.00

• Small to medium stones are common
• High clarity rating with medium to high saturation will bring the highest dollar per carat

 

 

Brazil Blue Apatite price per carat = $85.00 – $125.00

• Most expensive color for apatite
• Colored gemstone dealers will have these from time to time
• Fairly rare due to low commercial availability and high demand

 

 

Blue Apatite Cabochons price per carat = $30.00 – $40.00

• Common in all sizes
• Sometimes has a blue flash

 

 

Blue Cat’s Eye Apatite price per carat = $25.00 – $45.00

• Must be sourced from a reputable gemstone dealer
• Fairly rare due to low commercial availability and high demand

 

 

Apatite Crystals = $100 – $1,000.00

• Fairly common
• Specimen collectors and lapidary artists are buyers of these

 

How valuable is apatite?

Apatite can cost over $300.00 per carat if the color is Brazil Blue and the stone weighs more than 5 carats with a high clarity grade. If you’re looking to add apatite to your gem collection then you should focus on the “Neon Blue” and “Brazil Blue” colors with high saturation and hue.

 

Values of apatite will continue to increase

Each year I do research on market prices for apatite and I can tell you the prices for lighter-colored stones are fairly constant but the price for Brazil Blue and Neon Blue have risen each year due to a limited supply of high-quality stones.

If you’re not sure how to value a gemstone then you should consider a gemstone appraisal. Individuals acquiring gemstones through inheritance, estate sales, and auctions typically have the gemstone appraised to determine the value and to ensure the gem is what they think it is.