mineral

Apatite

Fluorapatite, Chlorapatite, and Hydroxylapatite (Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH))

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 5 (Mohs scale); Color: Typically green to blue, but also yellow, violet, or colorless; Luster: Vitreous to sub-resinous; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Poor; Specific gravity: 3.16 to 3.22.

Hardness: 5 (Mohs scale)
Luster: Vitreous to sub-resinous

Identified January 8, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed as an accessory mineral in igneous rocks like pegmatites, metamorphic rocks such as marble, and sedimentary rocks (phosphorites). It is common in various geological ages and often occurs in hydrothermal veins.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a source of phosphorus for fertilizers. High-quality specimens are used by collectors and occasionally cut as gemstones, though their softness limits use in jewelry.

Geological facts

Apatite is the defining mineral for level 5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. It is also the mineral that makes up the teeth and bones of all vertebrate animals, including humans.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct hexagonal crystal habit and its ability to be scratched by a steel knife (but not by a penny). Highly common in Madagascar, Brazil, and Canada.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Gneiss or Schist

Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet

Metamorphic

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Tumbled granite

Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock

igneous

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz

Igneous Pegmatite

igneous

Granite

Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)

igneous