Fluorapatite (Specimen #100204)

Mineral(s): Fluorapatite, Calcite, Fluorite, Augite

Location: Yates Mine, Otter Lake, Pontiac RCM, Outaouais, Québec, Canada

Size: 8.5 x 5.1 x 5.4 cm (Crystal 3.8 cm)

Description:  The Fluorapatite crystal has a waxy luster, is translucent and is green to honey-brown.  The specimen features a single, undamaged, double terminated crystal of green Fluorapatite on a matrix of salmon-colored calcite with purple Fluorite and a terminated Augite crystal. The Fluorapatite crystal measures approx. 3.8 cm. The crystal is intact, lustrous with both terminations visible. This specimen is a classic and was collected over 50 years ago!  Within the calcite are two areas of purple fluorite which is highly fluorescent from this locale.

These Fluorapatite specimens are classic examples of Ontario skarn zone mineral assemblages. The location was originally worked for Phlogopite and Fluorite in 1906-1907. In 1950 Mr. J.M. Yates discovered the presence of a radioactive mineral, Uranothorite, and Yates Uranium Mines Inc. was formed to develop the property.