A P A T I T E
|
ApatiteCa5(PO4)3(OH,F,Cl)
Class: Phosphate Hardness: 5 Density: 3.1 - 3.2 Streak: White Lustre: Vitreous, glassy Habit: Massive Colours: Grayish blue-green, or any. | | Crystal System: Hexagonal Cleavage: Poor Fracture: Conchoidal Magnetism: None Reaction with HCl: Weak | Identification in hand sample: Colour, crystal habit and hardness are good indicators. Associations: Common accessory mineral in all environments. Industrial / ecomonic uses: Source of phosphate used in fertilizers and other industrial applications. Fluorine is also extractable from apatite. Comments: Same stuff as in bones and teeth. |