Fluorapatite

A sharp, prismatic apatite crystal with well-defined pinacoidal terminations is nicely exposed in a cavity within a feldspar–mica pegmatite matrix. The crystal exhibits good form and lustre. This is a fine and representative specimen from the famous Palermo No. 1 Mine in Groton, New Hampshire, one of the most important pegmatite localities in the northeastern United States. The mine is celebrated for its rich and varied phosphate mineral assemblage, having produced numerous type-locality species and fine examples of apatite, triplite, and other phosphates.

Well-formed apatite crystals such as this one highlight the classic pegmatitic character of the deposit and make for an attractive and desirable specimen from this historically significant locality.