Apatite

Name:
Apatite
Detailed information:
A natural calcium phosphate (usually containing fluorine) occurring in the earth's crust as phosphate rock. It is also the chief component of the bony structure of teeth.

Properties:

Color variable. D 3.1–3.2, hardness 5, frequently in hexagonal crystals.

Occurrence:

Eastern U.S., California, the former U.S.S.R., Canada, Europe.

Use:

Source of phosphorus and phosphoric acid, manufacture of fertilizers, laser crystals.

See Fluoridation.