mineral
Apatite
Fluorapatite (Ca5(PO4)3F)
Hardness: 5 on Mohs scale; Color: Deep teal-blue; Luster: Vitreous to sub-vitreous; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Specific gravity: 3.16-3.22
- Hardness
- 5 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Deep teal-blue
- Luster
- Vitreous to sub-vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5 on Mohs scale; Color: Deep teal-blue; Luster: Vitreous to sub-vitreous; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Specific gravity: 3.16-3.22
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous environments (pegmatites), metamorphic rocks, and sedimentary phosphorite deposits. This specimen likely originates from igneous pegmatites.
Uses & applications
Major source of phosphorus for fertilizer; blue and green varieties are used as gemstones in jewelry and collected as specimens.
Geological facts
Apatite is the defining mineral for the hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale. It is also the most common phosphate mineral in the world.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic blue-green color and hardness which allows it to be scratched by a steel blade. Commonly found in Madagascar, Brazil, and Mexico.
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Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
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Metamorphic Rock
![Green Apatite on Albite (Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]) — mineral](https://media.rockidentification.com/2391a63f-fb20-47d5-af9a-2035851eb32e-thumbnail.jpg)
Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral