mineral

Blue-green raw mineral specimen, likely apatite

Fluorapatite, Ca₅(PO₄)₃F (probable; visual identification only)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Vivid turquoise-blue to green color, vitreous to resinous luster, translucent edges, and irregular fracture; apatite has Mohs hardness 5 and hexagonal crystal structure with imperfect cleavage. The specimen may also be a blue-green copper mineral, so testing is recommended.

Identified August 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Fluorapatite forms in igneous pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and metamorphic rocks, commonly during Precambrian to younger geological events. Blue-green coloration can result from trace elements such as manganese or rare-earth elements.

Uses & applications

Gem-quality apatite is faceted for jewelry; ordinary specimens are collected and used for mineralogical study. Apatite is also an important phosphate source for fertilizer, though this small specimen has no industrial value.

Geological facts

Apatite is the reference mineral for Mohs hardness 5. Its bright blue varieties are often marketed as “Paraíba apatite” or “neon apatite.”

Field identification & locations

Check hardness against glass, streak, crystal habit, and specific gravity; apatite will not scratch quartz. Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, and Canada.