Hydroxylapatite is a common phosphate mineral that forms the primary mineral component of human and vertebrate bones and teeth. In geological settings, it typically appears as prismatic, hexagonal crystals in metamorphic limestones or pegmatites, often difficult to distinguish from other apatite species without chemical analysis.
Is this hydroxylapatite?
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 hydroxylapatite with a known reference. Hydroxylapatite 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. Hydroxylapatite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hydroxylapatite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, green, yellow, brown, blue.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive, granular, tabular.
Often confused with
Hydroxylapatite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside hydroxylapatite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hydroxylapatite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₅(PO₄)₃(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.1-3.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Massive, Granular, Tabular
- Cleavage
- Poor Basal
- Fluorescence
- Often Yellow, Green, Or Brown Under SW/LW UV
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Collector, Geological Study, Biological Research
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Rocks, Igneous Rocks, Hydrothermal Veins, And Biological Deposits
- Typical price
- $10-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find hydroxylapatite
Classic worldwide localities
- Canada
- USA
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Norway
- Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic rocks, igneous rocks, hydrothermal veins, and biological deposits country — that is the host setting where hydroxylapatite 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, tabular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify hydroxylapatite?+
Where is hydroxylapatite found?+
How much is hydroxylapatite worth?+
What rocks look like hydroxylapatite?+
What minerals are found with hydroxylapatite?+
What kind of rock does hydroxylapatite form in?+
What is hydroxylapatite used for?+
Find hydroxylapatite on the map
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