Chlorapatite is a rare member of the apatite group characterized by a chlorine-dominant composition. It usually presents as hexagonal prisms or granular masses in metamorphosed limestones and certain igneous environments, and it is visually indistinguishable from other apatite species without chemical analysis.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareApatite Group family

Chlorapatite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this chlorapatite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch chlorapatite with a known reference. Chlorapatite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chlorapatite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Chlorapatite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale green, pale blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

Chlorapatite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside chlorapatite

Minerals reported to co-occur with chlorapatite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₅(PO₄)₃Cl
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 3.17-3.23 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Green Pale Blue
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: Poor Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Metamorphic Limestones, Skarns, Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $20-100 for small crystals

Where rockhounds find chlorapatite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia
Pargas, Finland
Bamle, Norway
Grenville Province, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic limestones, skarns, alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where chlorapatite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, diopside, phlogopite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify chlorapatite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, pale green, pale blue.

Where is chlorapatite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia; Pargas, Finland; Bamle, Norway; Grenville Province, Canada.

How much is chlorapatite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 for small crystals. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like chlorapatite?+

Chlorapatite is most often confused with Fluorapatite, Hydroxylapatite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with chlorapatite?+

Chlorapatite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Diopside, Phlogopite, Titanite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does chlorapatite form in?+

Chlorapatite typically forms in metamorphic limestones, skarns, alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is chlorapatite used for?+

Chlorapatite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find chlorapatite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.