Fluorapatito Carbonato-Fluorapatito
Fluorapatito is a mineral with formula Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,CO₃), in the Fosfatos group. This specimen comes from Cantera Asland, Montcada i Reixac, Barcelona, Catalunya, España.
Description
Yellowish and white crystals on matrix. Catalan specimen with phosphates.
About Fluorapatito
Human bones and teeth are made of a mineral called carbonated apatite. In tooth enamel hydroxyapatite predominates, but when fluoride from toothpaste is incorporated it replaces part of the structure and converts it into fluorapatite, which is much more resistant to the acids that cause caries. Although different types of this mineral exist, recent research at the locality revealed that all analysed samples are in fact carbonate-rich varieties, indistinguishable to the naked eye.
About the locality
This limestone quarry supplied rock to the ASLAND company from 1917 until its closure in 2009. It currently has no industrial activity and is integrated into the natural setting of the Charco de Levante (Toll de Llevant).
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0443
- Internal reference
- T0050
- Composition
- Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,CO₃)
- Name
- Fluorapatito
- Variety
- Carbonato-Fluorapatito
- Group
- Fosfatos
- Category
- Lucimera
- Mine
- Cantera Asland
- District / Municipality
- Montcada i Reixac
- Province
- Barcelona
- Region
- Catalunya
- Country
- España
- Size (cm)
- 8 x 4
- Etymology
- The term "apatite" was coined in 1786 by Abraham Gottlob Werner from the Greek 'apatein' ('to deceive'), because this mineral is easily mistaken for other species.
- Quality
- Buena
- Value trend
- Estable
Related specimens
- Abellaíta — España
- Abernathyita — España
- Abernathyita — España
- Abernathyita — España
- Aerenita — España
- Aerinita (fibrosa) — España
- Analcima — España
- Analcima — España