Gemmological and Mineralogical Characteristics of Apatite from Madagascar with Directional Inclusions

In this study, the apatites containing directional arrangement inclusions from Madagascar were investigated using microscope, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and magnetic test. Microscopic observation results show that there are abundant needle-like inclusions with metallic luster, which are parallel to c-axis of the apatite crystal. These inclusions could produce the cat's eye effect of apatite under the light. EDS results reveal that Fe and O elements are rich in the exposed region of inclusion, suggesting that it is a type of iron oxide. Raman spectroscopy displays a weak peak at 662 cm^-1, which can be attributed to the A_1g vibration mode of magnetite. The hysteresis loop test confirms that the inclusions are ferromagnetic substances, indicating that the needle-like inclusions are magnetite.