Fluorapatite is a member of the apatite minerals and one of the phosphate group. It has the composition Ca5[PO4]3(F) and is the fluorine end member. Other apatites include hydroxy apatite (OH substitutes for F) and chlorapatite, where Cl substitutes for F. The apatites are the major mineral source of phosphorous in soils. Multicolored crystals have a hexagonal crystal system with prismatic habit.

Distribution

Often found in pegmatites.

Hughes, J.M., M. Cameron, K.D. Crowley. 1989. Structural variations in natural F, OH, and Cl apatites. American Mineralogist. 74:870-876.