ApatiteApatite is named from the Greek word apate, which means "deceit", since Apatite has a similar appearance to so many minerals. The Apatite group is a group of similar isomorphoushexagonal phosphate minerals. Since it can be very hard to distinguish between the individual member minerals, and since they may partially replace each other, a distinction between them is rarely made, and they are simply all called "Apatite" by collectors and dealers. Apatite-(CaF) is by far the most common form of Apatite.
Apatite is the most common phosphate mineral, and is the main source of the phosphorus required by plants. The bones and teeth of most animals, including humans, are composed of calcium phosphate, which is the same material as Apatite. http://www.minerals.net/mineral/apatite.aspx |