noun
apatite
AP-uh-tyte/ˈæpʌtˌaɪt/
A mineral belonging to a group of calcium phosphates.
Green apatite crystals rise from a small piece of pale rock.
Etymology
The “deceit” root, paired with a suffix used for minerals, refers to apatite often being mistaken for other minerals. The deeper origin of Greek apatē is uncertain.
In context
a mineral that's close to my heart is apatite.
More examples
- The lab identifies the mineral in the sample as apatite.
- Manufacturers use apatite as a source of phosphate for fertilizer.
- Some apatite specimens are blue rather than green.
Forms
apatite · apatites