Fluorapatite and Calcite in Magnetite from Utah

Contributed by: Simone Conti
minID: UHJ-HPY
Date: Jun 7th, 2026
Locality: Iron Mountain, Pinto Iron Mining District (Pinto Mining District; Silver Belt Mining District), Iron Springs Mining District, Iron County, Utah, USA (See on Mindat)
Size: 7 x 3 x 11 cm
Weight: 662.6 g

Description:
Fluorapatite crystals in magnetite. The fluorapatite crystals are elongated and all aligned in the same direction. This specimen was broken in half cutting through the crystals showing their hexagonal cross section. Under midwave and shortwave UV light the apatite fluoresces bright pink and some calcite, fluorescent red, is also revealed.

Fluorescence under midwave UV light.

Normal light.

Summary of luminescence responses:

Fluorapatite (Mindat) (RRUFF)

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

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