mineral

Blue Apatite

Calcium phosphate mineral, Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale, deep blue to teal color, vitreous to sub-resinous luster, hexagonal crystal system, poor cleavage, specific gravity of approximately 3.1 to 3.2.

Identified August 6, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale, deep blue to teal color, vitreous to sub-resinous luster, hexagonal crystal system, poor cleavage, specific gravity of approximately 3.1 to 3.2.

Formation & geological history

Forms in all three major rock types (igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary), typically crystallizing in pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, or metamorphic limestone. Formed over geological timescales through the concentration of phosphate-rich fluids.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a source of phosphorus for agricultural fertilizers, in chemical manufacturing, as a gemstone for collectors and jewelry (though soft for everyday wear), and in metaphysical practices.

Geological facts

Apatite is the defining mineral for the 5th point on the Mohs hardness scale. It is also the most abundant phosphate mineral on Earth and is chemically similar to the material comprising human teeth and bones.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified by its distinctive blue or greenish-blue color, conchoidal fracture, and characteristic Mohs hardness of 5. Found worldwide with notable deposits in Madagascar, Brazil, Mexico, and the United States.