PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
This mineral class is pretty extensive, boasting nearly 700 known species, but most of them are quite uncommon. Apatite [Ca5(PO4)3(F, Cl, OH)] stands out as one of the key and more plentiful phosphates. The minerals in this group feature tetrahedral anionic (PO4)3– complexes, similar to the (SO4)2– groups found in sulfates. The phosphorus ion has a positive five charge and is just a bit larger than the sulfur ion, which has a positive six charge. Arsenates and vanadates share similarities with phosphates.
Please, click on the picture for more pictures and details like dimensions (like 300 240 340 (LWD in mm), weight (in grams), locality and specimen number (SKU)).
