Table of Contents
What type of rock is apatite found in?
Apatite is widely distributed in all classes of rock –igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. Large, well-formed crystals are, for the most part, limited to metamorphic rocks.
Is apatite in igneous rock?
Apatite is a minor but ubiquitous mineral in most igneous rocks. Although the modal proportion of apatite in common rocks is generally low, it can reach high concentrations in enclaves, cumulates, and other rocks of low abundance (i.e., rocks that constitute a small volume of the crust and mantle; e.g., nelsonites).
Where is apatite found?
Apatite is found in Myanmar (Burma), Brazil, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Norway, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Mexico, Canada and the United States. There are three minerals that actually contribute to apatite, which is the reason for the varied colors and shades of this stone.
Where is apatite found in US?
Apatite from USA
USA | |
Alabama ⓘ Autauga Co. | Mineralogy of Alabama Geol Surv Ala. Bull120 |
ⓘ Bullock Co. | Mineralogy of Alabama Geol Surv Ala. Bull120 |
ⓘ Choctaw Co. | Mineralogy of Alabama Geol Surv Ala. Bull120 |
ⓘ Clarke Co. | Mineralogy of Alabama Geol Surv Ala. Bull120 |
Is apatite rare or common?
While apatite is a common mineral, gem-quality apatite is quite rare. Apatite is known by gemstone connoisseurs especially for two colors; the Paraiba-like blue-green, and the leek-green color that once earned apatite the name “asparagus stone”.
Is apatite a common mineral?
Apatite is the most common phosphate mineral, and is the main source of the phosphorus required by plants. The bones and teeth of most animals, including humans, are composed of calcium phosphate, which is the same material as Apatite. (These biological Apatites are almost exclusively the Hydroxylapatite type.)
Is apatite a quartz?
The phosphate-bearing mineral Apatite occurs in nature in a wide range of colours, but is a rare inclusion in quartz. Transparent gemstones with brightly coloured floating Apatite crystals in shades of blue and yellow are rare.
What minerals are found in apatite?
Apatite is a phosphate mineral (and is the most abundant phosphorous-bearing mineral). The name actually covers three different minerals (fluorapatite, chlorapatite and hydroxylapatite) depending on the predominance of either fluorine, chlorine or the hydroxyl group.
Where is apatite found in California?
The best place to go rockhounding in Fresno County is the Clark Valley area, where large crystals of apatite, andalusite, and epidote have historically been found.
What products that contain apatite mineral?
Uses of Apatite as Phosphate Rock Most of the phosphate rock mined throughout the world is used to produce phosphate fertilizer. It is also used to produce animal feed supplements, phosphoric acid, elemental phosphorous, and phosphate compounds for the chemical industry.
Are apatite gems valuable?
Blue Brazilian apatites and those with a “neon” blue-green color, similar to that of Paraíba tourmalines, command the highest prices. Rare, rich purple specimens from Maine are also highly prized. As with most gems, color saturation, size, and clarity are the major determiners of value.
Is apatite a type of Jasper?
Natural Blue Apatite Jasper Gemstone Although classified as a single mineral, Apatite is actually three different minerals. Natural gemstones can vary in thickness.
Where are apatite crystals found in a rock?
Apatite is widely distributed in all rock types ( igneous , sedimentary and metamorphic ), but usually as small disseminated grains, or cryptocrystalline fragments. Large, well-formed crystals can be found in certain contact metamorphic rocks.
How is apatite used in the real world?
Apatite is the name of a group of phosphate minerals with similar chemical compositions and physical properties. They are an important constituent of phosphorite, a rock mined for its phosphorus content and used to make fertilizers, acids, and chemicals. Apatite has a relatively consistent hardness and serves as…
Which is the same material as apatite in bones?
The bones and teeth of most animals, including humans, are composed of calcium phosphate, which is the same material as Apatite. (These biological Apatites are almost exclusively the Hydroxylapatite type.)
What is the chemical formula for the mineral apatite?
Apatite is mineral group with the following chemical formula applied to the most common members of the primary group (excluding the extended Apatite supergroup): Ca 5(PO 4) 3(F,Cl,OH) Individual Apatite minerals are: Fluorapatite – Ca 5(PO 4) 3F. Chlorapatite – Ca 5(PO 4) 3Cl.