apatite
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ap·a·tite

noun \ˈa-pə-ˌtīt\

Definition of APATITE

: any of a group of calcium phosphate minerals occurring in various colors as hexagonal crystals, as granular masses, or in fine-grained masses as the chief constituent of phosphate rock and of bones and teeth; especially : calcium phosphate fluoride

Origin of APATITE

German Apatit, from Greek apatē deceit
First Known Use: 1803

ap·a·tite

noun \ˈap-ə-ˌtīt\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of APATITE

: any of a group of calcium phosphate minerals occurring variously as hexagonal crystals, as granular masses, or in fine-grained masses as the chief constituent of bones and teeth and of phosphate rock; especially : calcium phosphate fluoride Ca5F(PO4)3

apatite

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

A member of the phosphate group of minerals, the world's major source of phosphorus, found as variously coloured, glassy crystals, masses, or nodules. Much of it has a chemical composition approximating Ca(PO)(F,Cl,OH). If not for its softness, apatite would be a popular gemstone; some of the material found is clear, but it is fragile and difficult to cut and polish.

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