Apatite Vs. Turquoise

Apatite is a popular mineral group composed of a group of phosphates.^[1] Turquoise is a very popular gemstone and its chemical composition is copper aluminum phosphate.^[2]

Quick Facts on Differences of Apatite and Turquoise

For a quick recap of the differences apatite and turquoise:

• While both apatite and turquoise can be translucent, apatite can be transparent and turquoise can be opaque.
• In terms of crystallography, apatite is hexagonal while turquoise is triclinic.
• For chemical formulas, apatite can be Ca5(PO4)3(F, Cl or OH) while turquoise is CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8• 4H2O.
• While both apatite and turquoise is vitreous, in terms of luster, turquoise can be dull or waxy.
• Apatite can be commonly red while turquoise can be commonly blue or green.
• Apatite's rarity is less rare than turquoise.

Quick Facts on Similarities of Apatite and Turquoise

The similarities of apatite and turquoise include:

• Apatite and turquoise both streak white.
• Apatite's hardness overlaps with turquoise - apatite is 5 and turquoise ranges from 5 to 6 on the Moh's scale.

Summary of Apatite

Apatite is a mineral that is commonly found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It is made up of calcium phosphate, which is the same mineral that makes up our teeth and bones. Apatite can be identified by its green, blue, or yellow color, and its hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale. It can also be identified by its crystal structure, which is hexagonal.

Summary of Turquoise

Turquoise is a mineral that is a blue to greenish-blue color, often with veins or web-like patterns of darker color running through it. It is a relatively soft mineral, with a Mohs hardness of between 5 and 6, and has been used for decorative purposes for thousands of years. One of the most famous sources of turquoise is the Southwest United States, particularly Arizona and New Mexico, but it can also be found in other parts of the world, such as Iran, Afghanistan, and China.

Table Comparison of Apatite vs Turquoise