The best approach to clean an apatite gemstone is with gentle, warm soapy water. Because apatite is such a delicate and sensitive gemstone, it should be maintained apart from other gemstones. Apatite gemstones, for the same reason, cannot withstand daily use. The stone will absorb moisture from the skin and hair, causing it to break down and become damaged. There are two types of apatite: white and colored. White apatite is pure calcium phosphate; colored apatite may also contain iron, manganese, or titanium. The color in colored apatites comes from iron, manganese, or titanium atoms being incorporated into the crystal structure of calcium phosphate. These metals can alter the color of some gems, but they don't change their chemical composition or hardness. Apatite is soft and somewhat fragile, so special care must be taken not to damage it during cleaning. Never use chemicals such as acid or solvent cleaners, as these substances can remove the protective layer around the apatite, exposing it to further damage. Also, avoid heating apatite gemstones since this can cause them to lose weight. Professional cleaning is recommended for apatite because it requires special equipment and knowledge to prevent damaging the stone while still giving it a thorough cleaning.