mineral

Blue Apatite

Apatite (Calcium Phosphate) - Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)

Hardness: 5 on Mohs scale; Color: Neon blue to deep teal; Luster: Vitreous to sub-resinous; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Poor; Specific gravity: 3.16-3.22.

Hardness: 5 on Mohs scale
Color: Neon blue to deep teal
Luster: Vitreous to sub-resinous

Identified March 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5 on Mohs scale; Color: Neon blue to deep teal; Luster: Vitreous to sub-resinous; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Poor; Specific gravity: 3.16-3.22.

Formation & geological history

Formed through various geological processes including igneous crystallization in pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and metamorphic processes in contact-metamorphosed limestones. Most specimens are from the Phanerozoic eon.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a source of phosphorus for fertilizer. High-quality specimens are used in jewelry (though they are soft) and as polished decorative objects or healing stones.

Geological facts

The name 'Apatite' is derived from the Greek word 'apate', meaning 'to deceive', because it was frequently confused with other minerals like beryl or olivine. It is also the mineral that makes up the teeth and bones of all vertebrate animals.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct hexagonal crystal habit and its hardness (it can be scratched by glass). Common locations include Madagascar, Brazil, Mexico, and Myanmar. This specific specimen is a 'tower' or 'obelisk' shape, which is a man-made cut designed to display the mineral's color and internal crystalline fractures.

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