FLUORAPATITE (RARE BLUE VARIETY) (small cabinet)

Fluorapatite, also known as fluoroapatite, is a phosphate mineral represented by the formula Ca5(PO4)3F, which is a type of calcium fluorophosphate. This mineral is characterized by its hardness and crystalline structure. While it can appear in various colors such as green, brown, blue, yellow, violet, or even colorless, the pure form is typically colorless due to the absence of transition metals. Fluorapatite, along with hydroxylapatite, contributes to tooth enamel, particularly in those who use fluoridated toothpaste. In industrial contexts, both minerals are extracted from phosphate rock, where fluorapatite is the predominant component, often accompanied by other minerals.

Fluorapatite exhibits a hexagonal crystal system and frequently forms solid solutions with hydroxylapatite in biological environments. Another related mineral is chlorapatite (Ca5(PO4)3Cl). In industrial applications, fluorapatite serves as a significant source of phosphoric and hydrofluoric acids.