Apatite can be any of three different minerals depending on the predominance of fluorine, chlorine, or the hydroxyl group. It is typically green, and either transparent or translucent. It is prominently found and produced in Mexico, Ontario, Germany, Russia, USA, Sri Lanka and Brazil. Apatite can be cut into gemstones, although it is too soft and brittle to be a highly durable. Its main use is as a source of phosphate for fertilizer. An interesting fact about the name "apatite" is that it is part of what makes up the teeth in all vertebrae animals.
IUPAC name:
Calcium tris(phosphate)fluoride
Citation of a publication:
Reference: Materials Research Bulletin 7
(1972) p1331
Authors: Sudarsanan, K, Mackie, P E, Young,
R A
Lab name:
Common molecules
Sample provider:
Obtained from the Inorganic Crystal Structure Database
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