mineral

Raw blue-green apatite crystal

Apatite group, likely fluorapatite — Ca₅(PO₄)₃F

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Blue-green, translucent to opaque crystal with vitreous luster and uneven fracture; apatite is Mohs 5, has hexagonal crystal structure, and specific gravity about 3.1–3.2. The photo’s color and rough surface fit apatite, though visual identification is not definitive.

Identified October 10, 2026More mineral →

Explore Raw blue-green apatite crystal in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Apatite forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks, and in phosphate-rich sedimentary deposits; it crystallizes during cooling or recrystallization, across a wide range of geological ages.

Uses & applications

Apatite is the principal source of phosphate for fertilizer and phosphoric acid; attractive transparent crystals are cut as gemstones, while rough specimens are collected.

Geological facts

Apatite gives its name to the Mohs hardness scale reference mineral at hardness 5 and is a major store of phosphorus in Earth’s crust.

Field identification & locations

Check for hardness near 5 and a hexagonal crystal habit; common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, Mexico, and Canada. The specimen’s precise identity and locality cannot be confirmed from the image alone.