Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
hexagonaluncommonPhosphates
Apatite
Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,Cl,OH)
The image displays a well-formed, translucent to transparent, greenish-yellow hexagonal crystal of apatite with distinct faces and a glassy luster.
Apatite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
5Crystal System
hexagonalLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
indistinct basal {0001}, poor prismatic {1010}Fracture
conchoidalSpecific Gravity
3.18Colors
green, blue, yellow, violet, pink, colorless, brownTransparency
transparentType Locality
Mantena, Minas Gerais, Southeast Region, BrazilMineral Group
PhosphatesUses
fertilizer production, gemstone, scientific researchAssociated Minerals
quartz, feldspar, mica, calcite, tourmaline, berylRarity
uncommonGeological Context
Apatite is a common accessory mineral found in a wide range of igneous and metamorphic rocks, as well as in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites. It is also the primary mineral component of vertebrate bones and teeth.
