Fluorapatito Carbonato-Fluorapatito
Fluorapatito is a mineral with formula Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,CO₃), in the Fosfatos group. This specimen comes from Mina Elvira de Mines Rocabruna, Bruguers-Gavà, Barcelona, Catalunya, España and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.
Description
Creamy white globular fluorapatite on rounded ochre-yellow matrix.
About Fluorapatito
There is a clear link between human teeth and this mineral. Dental enamel is composed of a biological form of apatite rich in calcium and phosphate, sharing the same crystal architecture. Fluoride in toothpastes or drinking water has a specific effect: upon contact with teeth, the outer enamel layer converts to fluorapatite very similar to this specimen. The whole tooth does not transform, but its surface hardens and its resistance to acids increases. The structure observed in this piece is the same that acts as the microscopic armour of our dentition.
About the locality
Mina Elvira, an iron concession with multiple official names, was popularly called "Rocabruna mines" by local residents because of the brown colouration of the local stone.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0643
- Composition
- Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,CO₃)
- Name
- Fluorapatito
- Variety
- Carbonato-Fluorapatito
- Group
- Fosfatos
- Category
- Lucimera
- Matrix
- Calcioferrita
- Mine
- Mina Elvira de Mines Rocabruna
- District / Municipality
- Bruguers-Gavà
- Province
- Barcelona
- Region
- Catalunya
- Country
- España
- Size (cm)
- 5 x 5 x 4
- Weight
- 32 g
- Acquired
- 2025
- Etymology
- “Apatite” derives from the Greek «apatein», “to deceive”, because it is easily mistaken for other minerals; “fluor-” marks the fluorine-dominant member. The prefix “carbonate-” indicates partial substitution by carbonate groups.
- Quality
- Buena
- Value trend
- Estable
Related specimens
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- Analcima — España
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