Back to list
Back to list
Apatite
Main Deposits
Germany, Czech Republic, Portugal, Norway; Switzerland; Mexico, Russia, Sweden, South Africa, USA
Description and Characteristics
Apatite is a group of calcium phosphate minerals that contain fluorine, chlorine, or hydroxyl groups; it is frequently found in igneous rocks such as pegmatites, metamorphic rocks, hydrothermal veins, and also in sedimentary rocks of organic origin. It belongs to the hexagonal crystal system and is known for its wide variety of colors and its habit of well-formed hexagonal prismatic crystals; it is a mineral of great biological importance, as a variety of this compound is the main component of tooth enamel and bones in vertebrates.
| Chemical Formula | $$Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,Cl,OH)$$ |
|---|---|
| Luster | Fatty vitreous |
| Streak | White |
| Fracture | Conchoid to irregular |
| Cleavage | Imperfect |
| Hardness | 5 Mohs |
| Crystal System | Hexagonal |
Did you know...?
Its name comes from the Greek word *apate*, meaning “to deceive,” because historically it was often mistaken for other minerals such as beryl, olivine, or tourmaline due to its wide range of colors. A highly sought-after variety is “Neon Apatite,” an intense electric blue found in Madagascar.
New-Age Properties
Tradition tells that in the Witches' Enclosure, witches' sabbaths were celebrated in which white powders that emitted fluorescent flashes were thrown into the fire.