mineral
Blue Apatite
Fluorapatite (Ca5(PO4)3F)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 5 (Mohs scale); Color: Neon blue to greenish-blue; Luster: Vitreous to sub-resinous; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Poor; Specific gravity: 3.16-3.22
- Hardness
- 5 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Neon blue to greenish-blue
- Luster
- Vitreous to sub-resinous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5 (Mohs scale); Color: Neon blue to greenish-blue; Luster: Vitreous to sub-resinous; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Poor; Specific gravity: 3.16-3.22
Formation & geological history
Found in pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and metamorphic rocks. This specific neon-blue variety is commonly associated with Madagascar and Brazil.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a source of phosphorus for fertilizer, but this aesthetic variety is popular for jewelry, lapidary work, and crystal collecting.
Geological facts
Apatite is the mineral that makes up the teeth and bones of all vertebrate animals. It is the defining mineral for level 5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinctive blue color, 5 hardness (scratched by glass or a steel knife), and hexagonal crystal habits. Common locations include Madagascar, Brazil, and Mexico.
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