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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.

  

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