Apatite
Image: Ringwoodit (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameApatite
Chemical FormulaCa₅(PO₄)₃(F,Cl,OH)
Mohs Hardness5
Crystal Systemhexagonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageindistinct on {0001}, poor on {1010}
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity3.18
Colorsgreen, blue, yellow, violet, pink, brown, colorless
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityBrazil, Mexico, Canada, Russia, Myanmar, Madagascar
Mineral GroupPhosphates
Usesfertilizer production, gemstone, collector specimens
Associated Mineralsquartz, feldspar, mica, calcite, tourmaline
Raritycommon
Description
This image shows an apatite crystal in a thin section under plane-polarized light, appearing as a colorless to very pale, fractured hexagonal grain embedded within a fine-grained matrix of other minerals.
Geological Context
Apatite is a widespread accessory mineral found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, often occurring in pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and as a primary component of phosphate rock deposits. It is also the main mineral component of vertebrate bones and teeth.
