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chlorapatite

Chlorapatite is a mineral in the apatite group with the chemical formula Ca5(PO4)3Cl. It represents the chloride analogue of hydroxyapatite and fluorapatite, forming a solid-solution series Ca5(PO4)3X where X can be OH, F, or Cl. In chlorapatite, chlorine ions occupy the channels where hydroxyl groups are found in other apatite members.

The mineral typically crystallizes in the hexagonal system and forms as prismatic, often tabular crystals or

Chlorapatite occurs in a variety of geological settings. It can form in igneous and metamorphic rocks, especially

Economically, chlorapatite is a source of phosphorus when phosphate rocks are mined for fertilizer production. The

in
massive,
granular
aggregates.
It
has
a
vitreous
luster,
a
Mohs
hardness
about
5,
and
a
white
to
colorless
appearance
that
may
show
pale
tints
of
green,
brown,
or
yellow
due
to
impurities.
Chlorapatite
is
relatively
common
in
phosphate-bearing
rocks
and
is
frequently
associated
with
fluorapatite
and
hydroxylapatite.
where
chlorine
activity
is
high,
such
as
in
certain
carbonatites
and
pegmatites.
It
can
also
appear
in
sedimentary
phosphate
deposits
as
part
of
the
broader
apatite
group.
The
formation
and
stability
of
chlorapatite
are
influenced
by
the
chemical
environment,
particularly
the
availability
of
chloride
and
the
absence
or
presence
of
hydroxyl
in
the
framework.
mineral
contributes
to
the
phosphate
content
of
ore,
and
its
presence,
along
with
other
apatite
members,
affects
processing
and
refining
in
phosphate
industries.