Looking for a durable apatite alternative

[lovedogs]

Hi All,
I've realized that I love the color of apatite...especially when it is a pool blue like this one

I can't afford a pariba tourmaline, so I'm wondering if there are any other colored stones that have this color. I've read that apatite shouldn't be put in jewelry because it is so soft. Does natural zircon ever have this color, or is there another CS option out there that is more affordable than tourmaline that I'm not thinking of?

Thanks!

 

[minousbijoux]

I think zircon is probably your best bet.

 

[tourma-guy]

Yea I think that blue zircon is your best bet to get close to that color with a little more durability. Zircon tends to be prone to chipping though, so its not the best choice if going for a ring stone.

 

[Niel]

You could look at irradiated diamonds. Moreblue than real, but might work

 

[minousbijoux]

Irradiated diamonds are a great idea as well.

 

[lovedogs]

Thanks for your help, everyone! It would be for a ring, so maybe zircon isn't a good choice. Irridated diamonds are a great idea!

Thanks!

 

[Arcadian]

zircon probably isn't good if you're hard on your rings. If you're not , then you're fine with zircon. I don't loupe my rings after each wearing, but I also don't wear them for anything more than basic going out type stuff. (no ditch digging here...lol)

 

[chrono]

Blue topaz; cheap, plentiful and durable enough for a ring stone.

 

[tourma-guy]

Blue topaz; cheap, plentiful and durable enough for a ring stone.

Can't believe I didn't think of blue topaz, lol. Not sure if I've seen it as neon as apatite before though.

 

[marymm]

OP - if you'd be okay with irradiated diamonds, then perhaps you're okay with irradiated topaz - there are a couple of flavors, but maybe the "Swiss Blue Topaz" variety comes closest to the color in your inspiration photo - and the nicer stones do have quite a pop though not neon (but I don't think most Apatite is really neon either)... just my two cents.

 

[lovedogs]

Thanks, Chrono! I didn't think of topaz, but can't imagine why I didn't before now haha.

I was just looking around, and I like the swiss blue, but I think my favorite is the "electric blue" color. I think someone on PS just had a stone cut in that color, and it looks great. Not quite as neon as apatite, but has the bright "pop" that I'm looking for.

I appreciate all the advice!

 

[lovedogs]

OP - if you'd be okay with irradiated diamonds, then perhaps you're okay with irradiated topaz - there are a couple of flavors, but maybe the "Swiss Blue Topaz" variety comes closest to the color in your inspiration photo - and the nicer stones do have quite a pop though not neon (but I don't think most Apatite is really neon either)... just my two cents.

Thanks for the info! I will look into both the Swiss Blue and the Electric blue I saw on PS. I am okay with irridated stones in general--I care more about the color than about the treatment of them in the end

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Not sure where you're located, but I'd suggest contacting Doug of Bespoke Gems.

http://www.bespoke-gems.com/SacredGeometrics_Gemstones_QuickList_Available_Rough.php#Topaz

ETA:Also meant to add, I'd contact Jerry of Gemart Services too:

http://gemartservices.com/

 

[LD]

Sorry haven't read the above so don't know if I'm repeating but ...........

Blue zircon is very very very soft and so not everybody will set it. It's a great colour though.

Topaz is of course another option (Swiss blue not London blue) and you'll get a much bigger stone for your money.