Fluorapatite
A variety of Apatite Group
What is Fluorapatite?
Fluorapatite is the most common member of the Apatite group. Aside from mines around the world, this mineral also occurs in human teeth that are exposed to fluoride (e.g. through toothpaste). Though colorless when pure, crystals are often formed with minor impurities that give them a wide range of colors. Some particularly attractive or deeply-colored specimens may be sought after by collectors. On the industrial side of things, fluorapatite is sometimes mined as a source of phosphorus.
Uses & Applications
Fluorapatite is commonly used to prevent tooth decay, and it is utilized in toothpaste and other dental products. It also occurs in a variety of colors ranging from green to blue, and sometimes occurs in shades of yellow or may be entirely colorless, making it a popular and very versatile gemstone.
Optical Properties
- Pleochroism
- Weak to strong
- Optical Character
- Uniaxial negative
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Key Characteristics
Formation of Fluorapatite
Fluorapatite as a mineral is the most common phosphate mineral. It occurs widely as an accessory mineral in igneous rocks and in calcium rich metamorphic rocks. It commonly occurs as a detrital or diagenic mineral in sedimentary rocks and is an essential component of phosphorite ore deposits. It occurs as a residual mineral in lateritic soils.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Colourless to white when pure, also green, blue, pink, yellow, brown, violet, purple
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 5
- Density
- 3.18 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Greasy, Vitreous, Resinous, Waxy, Sub-vitreous
- Crystal System
- Hexagonal
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Ca5(PO4)3F
- Elements
- Ca, F, O, P
Also Known As
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