Fluorapatite

Big Photo

Durango, Mexico
3.37 carats
© Brian Kosnar - Mineral Classics

Fluorapatite is the fluorine end-member of the Apatite Group.

Fluorapatite Gemstones by Colour

This table shows the variety of hues this gemstone can be found in. Click on a photo for more information.
 

Fluorapatite Gemstones by Size

This table shows distribution of Fluorapatite gemstone sizes that are listed on this site. This can give a good indication as to the general availability of this gemstone in different sizes.
Contributed photos
Lightest:2.00 cts
Heaviest:3.37 cts
Average:2.46 cts
Total photos:3
Do you have a larger Fluorapatite? Why not upload a photo?
2.00ct to 2.14ct2.14ct to 2.27ct2.27ct to 2.41ct2.41ct to 2.55ct2.55ct to 2.69ct2.69ct to 2.82ct2.82ct to 2.96ct2.96ct to 3.10ct3.10ct to 3.23ct3.23ct to 3.37ct
General Information
A variety or type of:Apatite
Chemical Formula
Ca
 
5
(PO
 
4
)
 
3
F
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Physical Properties of Fluorapatite
Mohs Hardness5
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Specific Gravity3.1 to 3.25
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
TenacityBrittle
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Cleavage QualityPoor
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
FractureUneven,Conchoidal
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Optical Properties of Fluorapatite
Optical CharacterUniaxial/-
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
PleochroismWeak to strong if colored
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Colour
Colour (General)Sea-green, violet, purple, blue, pink, yellow, brown, white, colorless, may be zoned; colorless or faintly tinted in thin section
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
TransparencyTransparent,Translucent
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
LustreVitreous
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001) Vitreous to subresinous
Crystallography of Fluorapatite
Crystal SystemHexagonal,Monoclinic
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001) Hexagonal or monoclinic
HabitAs prismatic hexagonal crystals, elongated, to 2 m; as complex tabular to discoidal crystals ?attened, typically with many forms; granular, globular to reniform, nodular, massive.
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Geological Environment
Where found:Accessory in most igneous rocks, important in syenites, alkaline rocks, carbonatites, granite pegmatites. Common in marbles and skarns, Ca-rich regional metamorphic rocks, Alpine-type fissures, and hydrothermal tin veins. An essential component of sedimentary phosphorites, common as a detrital or diagenetic component in oolitic ironstones and phosphatic carbonate rocks and shales. Residual in laterites.
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Spectrographic Data
Calculated Spectra:
Click spectra for more information
Fluorapatite - Locality: Akjailau, Kazakstan
Fluorapatite - Locality: tanaznia
Fluorapatite - Locality: Tanaznia
Fluorapatite - Locality: Tanzania
Further Information
Mineral information:Fluorapatite information at mindat.org
Significant Gem Localities
Myanmar
 
  • Mandalay Region
    • Pyin-Oo-Lwin District
        • Mogok Valley
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
        • Pein-Pyit (Painpyit; Pyan Pyit)
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
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