TERRIUM — A mineralogy cabinet

Apatito

Apatito is a mineral with formula Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,Cl,OH), in the Fosfatos group. This specimen comes from Imilchil, Cercle de Imilchil, Midelt, Drâa-Tafilalet, Marruecos and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.

Apatito from Imilchil, Cercle de Imilchil, Midelt, Drâa-Tafilalet, Marruecos — Terrium

Description

Aggregate of hexagonal-prismatic crystals in parallel growth around a taller, perfectly formed central prism with a flat termination and striated faces. Golden yellow color

About Apatito

Apatite is a calcium phosphate with general formula Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F, Cl, OH). Its three principal varieties—fluorapatite, chlorapatite and hydroxylapatite—share the same hexagonal crystal architecture, which gives its name to the apatite group. This group is the structural prototype of an extensive family of minerals with analogous compositions, including pyromorphite, mimetite and vanadinite—lead apatites with different XO₄ tetrahedra that replace calcium with lead and phosphorus with arsenic or vanadium without altering the lattice type.

About the locality

The Imilchil district in Morocco’s Anti-Atlas is noted for its yellow and greenish apatite crystals. The most transparent and lustrous specimens, such as this one, are valued for their aesthetic rarity.

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0012
Composition
Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,Cl,OH)
Name
Apatito
Group
Fosfatos
Category
Estélites
Mine
Imilchil
District / Municipality
Cercle de Imilchil
Province
Midelt
Region
Drâa-Tafilalet
Country
Marruecos
Size (cm)
1.6 x 0.7 x 0.6
Acquired
2025
Etymology
The name derives from the Greek apate (ἀπάτη), "deceit", alluding to colours and forms that imitate gemstones (beryl, peridot, tourmaline) and misled collectors for centuries. In Greek mythology Apate was the personification of deceit, one of the spirits released from Pandora’s box.
Quality
Muy buena
Value trend
Estable

Related specimens

← Back to Terrium catalogue