Apatity - minerals with phosphate nature, the mostspread on the planet from their group. They are widely used in the production of mineral fertilizers, and for some time are actively used in the creation of jewelry. The mined mineral acquires a very noble appearance and is often issued for a more valuable semi-precious stone, for example, topaz. Not for nothing did the Greeks call apatite "ἀπατάω", which in Latin means "deceiving".
Several minerals from the class of phosphates are called apatite. The formula of the compound forming the mineral is Ca10(BY4)6(OH, Cl, F)2. The most famous are three types:hydroxy-, chloro- and fluorapatite. Depending on this, the above formula will change. The content of calcium oxides (CaO) and phosphorus is about 53-56% and 41%, respectively. The rest of the insignificant share falls on fluorine, chlorine, sometimes carbonate, as well as various impurities.
In its pure form, apatite does not have color.Various pale shades of the mineral give impurities. For example, manganese in various combinations stains the crystals in pink, purple, greenish yellow, neodymium and iron - give the yellow and smoky tones.
Glass shine, uneven fracture, oily textureon the chips, fragility - the characteristics that has apatite. The mineral class on the Mohs scale is 5. Quite dense, but not enough for quality jewelry. He can hardly be scratched with glass or a sharp knife blade with great difficulty. The specific gravity is 3.2 g / cm3. In nature it occurs in the form ofcrystals, usually prismatic, less often needle or tabular, often has vertical hatching on the faces. Often forms dense grain-crystal aggregates and concretions, solid solid earthy masses.
Minerals from the group of apatites areaccessory, that is, they are part of the rocks in a small amount (less than 1%). Therefore, they do not influence the classification. Crystallization occurs in virtually all magmatic rocks, especially in alkaline and acidic rocks. Apatity is a characteristic component of lamprophyres and carbonatites. They are resistant to hypergenic conditions. Apatity is an ordinary terrigenous minerals of sedimentary rocks and placers.
Crystals can grow to huge sizes.The largest specimens were found in Quebec (Canada), one of which weighed 5,443 kg and was 2.13 by 1.22 m in size. The mineral is one of the national symbols of the country.
Apatity - minerals, deposits of which in industrialscale - a fairly rare phenomenon. The largest deposit is located on the Kola Peninsula and is called "Khibiny". In this area, apatite ores are mined, which consist mainly of fluorapatite and nepheline. In addition, there are deposits in Yakutia (Seligdarskoye), Buryatia (Beloziminsky, Oshurkovsky), in the Urals (Ilmensky mountains), Baikal region.
Apatites of sedimentary rocks (phosphorites) account for more than 90% of the world's phosphate ore reserves. Their deposits are known in North Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Western Sahara, Morocco.
Crystals suitable for jewelry productionare mined in Finland, India, Germany, Norway, the Czech Republic, the USA, Myanmar and Brazil. The last two countries are known for their beautiful varieties of mineral with the effect of a cat's eye.
Apatite is a mineral whose properties and appearanceallow use in the jewelry industry. It differs fragility and low hardness, so it is not as durable as semi-precious stones and requires a careful attitude. In addition, the mineral is sensitive to high temperatures and exposure to sunlight (can burn out, fade).
For the manufacture of jewelry usedtransparent apatites, most often yellow or blue. Pure minerals pass through the faceting process. The stone is not exactly transparent. This is a specific way of cutting, in which it takes a convex shape with a smooth polished surface.
Decorations with apatite are quiteattractive and original, in many ways the beauty of the product depends on the quality of the processing. Brooches, beads, rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets, etc. often made in combination with other stones, using precious metals. However, one should beware of outspoken fakes. Beryl, tourmaline, topaz and others - it is for them that they sometimes give out a well-cut transparent minerals apatite.
The cost of souvenirs and jewelry from apatitedepends on several factors: the quality of the stone, the way it is processed, cut, and related materials. For example, beads like in the photo, the length of 40 cm are in the range of 1000-1500 rubles. The stone is not transparent, the facet is as simple as possible, the natural beauty and heterogeneity of the color of the mineral are preserved.
However, some apatites are quite expensive.In Ontario (Canada), minerals of green (sometimes with an admixture of blue or olive) color are extracted for jewelry quality. It is sold under the famous trade name "trilliumite". A stone weighing 10 carats after cutting is estimated at a sum of more than a thousand dollars.
Astrologers and esotericists tend to ascribecertain magical properties of various minerals. Apatite is considered a stone of peace and tranquility. He is credited with unique properties for stabilizing the psychoemotional state of a person, bringing the nervous system into tone. In this regard, astrologers recommend wearing his fiery zodiac signs, distinguished by a quick-tempered and ardent character: the Lions, Aries and Sagittarius. And here is the already calm Pisces, Aquarius and Cancers, it is not recommended. Apatite will make them passive, drowsy and weak.
It has long been known that apatites are mineralsfertility, so the main area of their application is agriculture. Phosphorus is one of the main components of a chemical compound, as already mentioned above. As you know, this element is vital not only for humans, but also for plants. Phosphorus is a building material for living organisms, it takes part in very many biological processes.
Apatity - minerals that are the starting productfor obtaining natural mineral phosphorus fertilizers. Raw materials are used for this purpose for a very long time. Since the beginning of the 20th century, many mineral processing plants have been built and are functioning. One of the largest - is the Khibiny plant "Apatite", launched in operation in 1929 on the basis of the world's largest deposit.
