Fluorapatito Carbonato-Fluorapatito
Fluorapatito is a mineral with formula Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,CO₃), in the Fosfatos group. This specimen comes from Cantera Moncada, Montcada i Reixac, Barcelona, Catalunya, España and joined the Terrium collection in 2024.
Description
Piece with white hailstone-like globules on a ferruginous earthy matrix.
History of this specimen
A very representative specimen of the locality, much valued by local collectors. The deposit, now exhausted, was known for its fluorapatite and goethite associations.
About Fluorapatito
Human bones and teeth contain carbonated apatite, Ca₅(PO₄,CO₃)₃(OH), a mineral very similar to carbonate-fluorapatite, Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,CO₃). In dental enamel hydroxyapatite predominates; when the fluoride in toothpaste comes into contact with it, it can substitute part of the OH⁻ groups in its structure and favour the formation of fluorapatite, which is more resistant to the acid attack that causes caries.
About the locality
With almost a century of industrial history, this limestone quarry operated between 1917 and 2009 to supply raw material to ASLAND's cement works. Today the workings are completely inactive and the landscape has been restored, forming part of the Charco de Levante (Toll de Llevant) natural area.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0444
- Internal reference
- T0051
- Composition
- Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,CO₃)
- Name
- Fluorapatito
- Variety
- Carbonato-Fluorapatito
- Group
- Fosfatos
- Category
- Lucimera
- Mine
- Cantera Moncada
- District / Municipality
- Montcada i Reixac
- Province
- Barcelona
- Region
- Catalunya
- Country
- España
- Acquired
- 2024
- Etymology
- Named in 1786 by Abraham Gottlob Werner, the term "apatite" derives from the Greek "apatein" ("to deceive"), a name given for its strong resemblance to other minerals.
- Quality
- Buena
- Value trend
- Estable
Related specimens
- Abellaíta — España
- Abernathyita — España
- Abernathyita — España
- Abernathyita — España
- Aerenita — España
- Aerinita (fibrosa) — España
- Analcima — España
- Analcima — España