apatite

[ ap-uh-tahyt ]
/ ˈæp əˌtaɪt /

noun

a common mineral, calcium fluorophosphate, Ca5FP3O12, occurring in individual crystals and in masses and varying in color, formerly used in the manufacture of phosphate fertilizers.

Origin of apatite

1795–1805; < Greek apát(ē) trickery, fraud, deceit + -ite1

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH apatite

apatite appetite

Words nearby apatite

apastron, apatetic, apathetic, apathism, apathy, apatite, apatosaurus, apb, apc, ape, ape hangers

Example sentences from the Web for apatite

British Dictionary definitions for apatite

apatite
/ (ˈæpəˌtaɪt) /

noun

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

Word Origin for apatite

C19: from German Apatit, from Greek apatē deceit; from its misleading similarity to other minerals

Scientific definitions for apatite

apatite
[ ăp′ə-tīt′ ]

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: Ca5(PO4CO3)3(F,OH,Cl).