Fluorcaphite is a mineral with the chemical formula (Ca, Sr, Ce, Na)5(PO4)3F. It is a hexagonal-pyramidal mineral containing calcium, cerium, fluorine, oxygen, phosphorus, sodium, and strontium. It is found in the Kola Peninsula in Russia. Its crystals are hexagonal (dipyramidal class). It is light to bright yellow and leaves a white streak. It is transparent and has a vitreous luster. It is rated 5 on the Mohs scale. Fluorcaphite is radioactive.
General information
- Formula: (Ca,Sr,Ce,Na)5(PO4)3F
- Crystal System: Hexagonal
- Member of: Belovite Group > Apatite Supergroup
- Name: Named after its constituting elements of fluorine, calcium, and phosphorous
Properties
- Cleavage: None
- Color: Light yellow, Bright yellow.
- Density: 3.6
- Diaphaneity: Transparent
- Fracture: Sub Conchoidal – Fractures developed in brittle materials characterized by semi-curving surfaces.
- Hardness: 5 – Apatite
- Luster: Vitreous (Glassy)
- Streak: white
Occurrence: In miarolitic cavities in a hyperagpaitic pegmatite in a differentiated alkalic massif.
Association: Deloneite-(Ce), belovite-(Ce), alkalic amphibole, lamprophyllite, labuntsovite, wadeite, sazykinaite-(Y), remondite-(La), sphalerite, galena, fluorite, graphite.
Distribution: From Mt. Koashva, Khibiny massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
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