Fluorapatite is the most common member of the apatite group and is highly prized by collectors for its sharp hexagonal prismatic crystals. It is frequently found in igneous pegmatites and metamorphic limestones, often displaying vibrant colors that can mimic other precious stones.
Is this fluorapatite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch fluorapatite with a known reference. Fluorapatite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Fluorapatite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Fluorapatite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellow, green, blue, violet, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, tabular, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Fluorapatite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Beryl is the harder of the two (Mohs 7.5-8 vs. 5).
How to tell apart: Quartz is the harder of the two (Mohs 7 vs. 5).
How to tell apart: Tourmaline is the harder of the two (Mohs 7-7.5 vs. 5).
Often found alongside fluorapatite
Minerals reported to co-occur with fluorapatite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₅(PO₄)₃F
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.1-3.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Tabular, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- Indistinct
- Fluorescence
- Often Fluorescent Yellow, Green, Or Blue Under UV Light
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Collector, Geological Research, Industrial
- Host rock
- Igneous Rocks, Pegmatites, Metamorphic Rocks, Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $10-100 per specimen depending on crystal size and quality
Where rockhounds find fluorapatite
13 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Durango, Mexico
- Pargas, Finland
- Bamle, Norway
- Ontario, Canada
- Maine, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in igneous rocks, pegmatites, metamorphic rocks, hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where fluorapatite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, quartz, diopside in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, tabular, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Maine, Utah, South Dakota — start trip planning there.
Common questions
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Find fluorapatite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
