mineral
Blue Apatite
Apatite (Group), Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 5 on Mohs scale; Color: Deep teal blue with streaks of green/gray; Luster: Vitreous to sub-vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Poor/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 3.16–3.22.
- Hardness
- 5 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Deep teal blue with streaks of green/gray
- Luster
- Vitreous to sub-vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5 on Mohs scale; Color: Deep teal blue with streaks of green/gray; Luster: Vitreous to sub-vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Poor/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 3.16–3.22.
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments. It is a common accessory mineral in most igneous rocks and is found in pegmatite veins and metamorphic limestone (marbles).
Uses & applications
A major source of phosphorus for fertilizer. Used as a gemstone and in decorative carvings or polished towers. It is also used as a material for the manufacture of phosphoric acid.
Geological facts
Apatite is the specific mineral that defines the hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale. The name is derived from the Greek word 'apate', meaning to deceive, because it was often confused with other minerals like tourmaline or beryl.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic teal color and the fact it can be scratched by a steel knife (unlike quartz or beryl). Finding it in hexagonal prismatic forms is common. Found globally with major deposits in Brazil, Madagascar, and Mexico.
