Introduction


Apatite is a calcium phosphate. Many times we also speak of the apatite group as this mineral can be found under three different terms: fluorapatite, which represents the term rich in F and also the most widespread, hydroxyapatite, which represents the term rich in OH, and chlorapatite, which represents the term rich in Cl and also the rarest. The name apatite was assigned by the German mineralogist Abraham Gottlieb Werner in 1786 and derives from the Greek verb "apatáo" "I deceive", alluding to the fact that this mineral has been exchanged many times with other minerals due to the vast range of colors in which you can find it, colors ranging from yellow to electric blue. Most apatites are formed in a sedimentary environment, but they can be found in hydrothermal veins, igneous rocks and metamorphic rocks.

Where is it



The main fields are located in: Brazil, Mexico, Canada, France, Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, India, Madagascar, Mozambique, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, and the United States. The largest and most extensive apatite deposit in the world is located on the Kola Peninsula in Russia.

  • Class of Minerals: Phosphates
  • Crystalline group: Dimetric
  • Crystal system: Hexagonal
  • Chemical formula: Ca5 (PO4) 3 (OH, F, Cl)
  • Hardness (Mohs): 5
  • Density: 3.1-3.35 g / cm3

Uses


Thanks to the high presence of fluorine, apatites are used on an industrial level. In particular they are used in the chemical industry for the production of toothpastes and sprays; in agriculture for the production of fertilizers; in the war for the production of incendiary and explosive devices

Apatite is the essential component of phosphorites, sedimentary rocks originating from the accumulation of animal remains. Phosphorites are the main source of supply of phosphates used in the fertilizer industry.

The deposits of phosphorites sometimes contain significant amounts of Rare Earths and, in this case, they are exploited to extract these rare and precious elements. They were a basic component for the construction of cathode ray tubes with phosphor fluorescence systems, now almost in disuse.

Apatite is used as a gem; however, its use is limited due to its fragility and low hardness.

Polished Apatite

Curiosity


In Greek mythology Apate, daughter of the Night, personifies deception and illusion. According to tradition it was one of the evils unknown to humanity until the opening of Pandora's box, from which it came out together with the other evils of the world.

In the lunar rock samples collected by the Apollo astronauts, the presence of small quantities of apatite was detected and it was found that this mineral has trapped water inside it. This made it possible to establish that the amount of water present on the Moon was a hundred times higher than the previous estimate.

A purple apatite crystal is kept at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington

(the rarest) weighing 500 ct. (100 grams).

Apatite pendant

Metaphysical angle


In the metaphysical world it is said that apatite helps to clear confusion and frustration, reducing irritability and awakening the inner self. It would also be a crystal of truth and facilitate the dissipation of anger.