Apatite Crystals For Sale

Apatite refers to the apatite group of phosphate minerals that all form distinct hexagonal crystals. There are three primary apatite varieties: fluorapatite, chlorapatite, and hydroxylapatite.

Apatite is the chameleon of the mineral world and is often confused with other minerals like beryl and tourmaline. Apatite is known for bright, lustrous crystals that form hexagonal shapes with off-center terminations. Many crystals are around an inch in length, though larger crystals up to about four inches long have been found. Apatite will form crystals in any color across the spectrum, and can even be multicolored.

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More About Apatite

Apatite refers to the apatite group of phosphate minerals that all form distinct hexagonal crystals. There are three primary apatite varieties: fluorapatite, chlorapatite, and hydroxylapatite. Of these three varieties, fluorapatite is by far the most common. In fact, if you run across an apatite crystal it is probably going to be fluorapatite. Hydroxylapatite (calcium phosphate) is the same material that makes up many biological structures, specifically the bones and teeth of humans and most animals.

Apatite is the chameleon of the mineral world and is often confused with other minerals like beryl and tourmaline. Apatite is known for bright, lustrous crystals that form hexagonal shapes with off-center terminations. Many crystals are around an inch in length, though larger crystals up to about four inches long have been found.

Apatite will form crystals in any color across the spectrum, including some multicolored specimens. Of all the colors, green and blue seem to be the most apparent, especially for fluorapatite. These crystals are primarily translucent, offering the viewer a glimpse at the inner structure, impurities, and fractures within. The offset termination points, impressive coloring, and barrel-like crystals are very appealing to collectors. Apatite is a significant source of phosphate and is often used in the production of fertilizer. Estimates suggest there is more than enough apatite to fulfill the world’s demand for food production.

How Does Apatite Form?

Apatite forms in both igneous and metamorphic environments, especially around ore veins, metamorphic hornfels, and granite or syenite pegmatites. Crystals that form within pegmatites and hydrothermal veins are often crisply hexagonal, extremely clear, and brightly colored. These minerals will occasionally form in sedimentary environments and as biological structures, including teeth and bones.

Where Is Apatite Found?

Apatite is widely distributed around the world. Most collector-quality specimens are of the fluorapatite variety. Mines in Portugal, Brazil, and Germany are known for their prismatic and tabular, blue, gem-quality material. Apatite from Russia is famous for its botryoidal forms and vibrant blue crystals. Canada has also produced some particularly astonishing long green crystals that form on an orange calcite matrix. These specimens are highly regarded by collectors as some of the finest on the market. Many interesting varieties including deep violet crystals are found along the eastern edge of the United States. Specimens coming from Morocco are a translucent, yellow-green with offset terminated points that nestle within beds of peach feldspar crystals.

Common Associations

Apatite is found alongside other minerals like muscovite, nephelite, and magnetite. It is also often found with other common minerals such as quartz, calcite, and feldspar.

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Lustrous, Yellow Apatite Crystal on Feldspar - Morocco #84316

APATITE CRYSTALS FOR SALE

More About Apatite

How Does Apatite Form?

Where Is Apatite Found?

Common Associations

Featured Photos