apatite

American  

[ap-uh-tahyt] / ˈæp əˌtaɪt /

noun

1. a common mineral, calcium fluorophosphate, Ca 5 FP 3 O 12 , occurring in individual crystals and in masses and varying in color, formerly used in the manufacture of phosphate fertilizers.

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apatite British  

/ ˈæpəˌtaɪt /

noun

1. a pale green to purple mineral, found in igneous rocks and metamorphosed limestones. It is used in the manufacture of phosphorus, phosphates, and fertilizers. Composition: calcium fluorophosphate or calcium chlorophosphate. General formula: Ca 5 (PO 4 ,CO 3 ) 3 (F,OH,Cl). Crystal structure: hexagonal

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apatite Scientific  

/ ăp′ə-tīt′ /

1. Any of several usually green, transparent, hexagonal minerals consisting of calcium phosphate with either fluorine, hydroxyl, chlorine, or carbonate. Apatite occurs in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, and is used as a source of phosphate for making fertilizers. Chemical formula: Ca ₅ (PO ₄ CO ₃ ) ₃ (F,OH,Cl).

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Etymology

Origin of apatite

1795–1805; < Greek apát ( ē ) trickery, fraud, deceit + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

APATITE, a widely distributed mineral, which, when found in large masses, is of considerable economic value as a phosphate.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 2 "Anjar" to "Apollo" by Various