Hydroxylapatite with Hornblende

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Hydroxylapatite is a rare mineral seldom encountered in collections and is an end member of the complex Apatite Group. A form of Hydroxylapatite makes up human bone by up to 70% by weight and 50% by volume. and also forms dental enamel, again in a slightly modified form. This beautifully crystallised specimen is from Snarum in Modum, Buskerud, Norway, an area hosting 43 different mineral species, including two type species, although Hydroxylapatite is not one of these. The Hydroxylapatite forms a well developed, double terminated white, opaque prism with a chalky textures and lustre. Attached to this at one side is a single black prism of Hornblende. This is an excellent example of this rare species.