Apatite

This sample is from Mt. Apatite, Auburn, Maine.  It is from a group of phosphate minerals usually referring to hydroxylapatite, fluorapatite and chlorapatite.  Wikipedia  When I see the prefix of fluora- I immediately think of fluoride which is good for my teeth.  It is also associated with the makeup of our bones.  Fluoride is typically added to tooth paste.  The associated mineral's chemical formulas are Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂, Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆F₂ and Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆Cl₂.

Apatite

Apatite is the bench mark mineral for the Mohs hardness scale for # 5, the middle one.

The primary use of Apatite is as an ingredient of fertilizer, as a source of phosphate. 

Apatite

Please notice the "trash" on this sample.  I have decided that I must learn to clean my samples where necessary.  My starting place is to use Oxalic Acid, aka Wood Bleach.  I soaked this sample in it for a week or more.  I am currently photographing after the cleaning and those images are up coming.  Be sure to look for them!

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