mineral

Blue Apatite

Apatite (Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH))

Hardness: 5 on Mohs scale; Color: neon blue to teal; Luster: vitreous to sub-resinous; Crystal structure: hexagonal; Cleavage: poor; Specific gravity: 3.16 to 3.22

Hardness: 5 on Mohs scale
Color: neon blue to teal
Luster: vitreous to sub-resinous

Identified July 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5 on Mohs scale; Color: neon blue to teal; Luster: vitreous to sub-resinous; Crystal structure: hexagonal; Cleavage: poor; Specific gravity: 3.16 to 3.22

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous or metamorphic environments, often found in pegmatites or hydrothermal veins. It is a phosphate mineral that can form through various geological processes across millions of years.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a source of phosphorus for fertilizer; high-quality specimens are used as gemstones or for metaphysical collecting.

Geological facts

Apatite is the defining mineral for value 5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. It is the same material found in the tooth enamel and bones of vertebrate animals.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive blue-green color and relative softness compared to beryl or quartz. Common locations include Brazil, Madagascar, Mexico, and Myanmar.