mineral
Rough Apatite in Matrix
Fluorapatite / Chlorapatite / Hydroxylapatite (Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH))
Hardness: 5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Bluish-green embedded in a dark grey-brown matrix. Luster: Vitreous to sub-resinous. Crystal structure: Hexagonal. Cleavage: Poor.
- Hardness
- 5 on the Mohs scale
- Color
- Bluish-green embedded in a dark grey-brown matrix
- Luster
- Vitreous to sub-resinous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Bluish-green embedded in a dark grey-brown matrix. Luster: Vitreous to sub-resinous. Crystal structure: Hexagonal. Cleavage: Poor.
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous pegmatites, metamorphic limestones (marbles), and hydrothermal veins. Common as an accessory mineral in many rock types.
Uses & applications
Apatite is the primary source of phosphorus used in phosphate fertilizers. High-quality colored specimens are cut into gemstones or collected by mineral enthusiasts.
Geological facts
Apatite is the defining mineral for hardness 5 on the Mohs hardness scale. Human tooth enamel is composed primarily of a form of hydroxyapatite.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive blue-green color within a coarse matrix and moderate hardness (scratched by glass or a steel blade). Commonly found in Madagascar, Brazil, Russia, and Canada.
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