Fluorapatite on Matrix - Durango, Mexico

Contributed by: Chris Clemens
minID: VYG-163
Date: May 24th, 2026
Locality: Cerro de Mercado Mine, Victoria de Durango, Cerro de los Remedios, Durango Municipality, Durango, Mexico (See on Mindat)
Size: 8.8 x 5 x 11.1 cm
Weight: 254 g

Description:
A palm-sized plate of brightly fluorescent fluorapatite crystals on a matrix of unknown identity. As shown in the photograph below, the apatite crystals show bright lavender fluorescence under midwave UV. Although the specific mine location is not known with certainty, it is likely the Cerro de Mercado Mine.

Under midwave UV (302 nm), the yellow-green colored fluorapatite crystals show a beautiful lavender response, while the matrix shows a minor green response, likely due to trace uranyl content. Similar, but duller and dimmer fluorescence is seen under shortwave UV (254 nm), with little to no response under longwave UV (365 nm).

Originally posted by Chris Clemens on Nature's Rainbows in 2022.

Fluorescence under midwave UV light.

Normal light.

Summary of luminescence responses:

Fluorapatite (Mindat) (RRUFF)

• Fluorescence under Midwave (305nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Violet