Apatite-(Caoh)

Unknown Owner

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Readers of the Mineralogical Record know that the Sapo Mine in Brazil was just recently profiled in the July/August 2009 issue. In 2004 some of the most unique and eye-catching specimens of Apatite-(CaOH) (formerly Hydroxylapatite) were discovered. These pieces feature flattened dipyramidal crystals with beautiful bicolor blue-green and yellow zoning. The majority of the specimens were found on Orthoclase, but a few formed on pale smoky to colorless Quartz. This piece features several attractive crystals of Apatite-(CaOH) sitting atop light "Smoky Quartz" with minor associated "buff" color Orthoclase. The reverse side of the specimen shows that the Quartz is actually crystallized most of the way around. These specimens have virtually disappeared from the market, and crystals on Quartz are even more difficult to obtain.