A Technological Gem: Materials, Medical, and Environmental Mineralogy of Apatite

Abstract

Research Article| June 01, 2015 A Technological Gem: Materials, Medical, and Environmental Mineralogy of Apatite John F. Rakovan; John F. Rakovan 1Department of Geology and Environmental Earth Science, Miami UniversityOxford, OH 45056-2473, USAE-mail: rakovajf@miamioh.edu Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Jill D. Pasteris Jill D. Pasteris 2Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Washington University in St. LouisSt. Louis, MO 63130-4899, USAE-mail: pasteris@levee.wustl.edu Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information John F. Rakovan 1Department of Geology and Environmental Earth Science, Miami UniversityOxford, OH 45056-2473, USAE-mail: rakovajf@miamioh.edu Jill D. Pasteris 2Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Washington University in St. LouisSt. Louis, MO 63130-4899, USAE-mail: pasteris@levee.wustl.edu Publisher: Mineralogical Society of America First Online: 09 Mar 2017 Online Issn: 1811-5217 Print Issn: 1811-5209 © 2015 by the Mineralogical Society of America Elements (2015) 11 (3): 195–200. https://doi.org/10.2113/gselements.11.3.195 Article history First Online: 09 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation John F. Rakovan, Jill D. Pasteris; A Technological Gem: Materials, Medical, and Environmental Mineralogy of Apatite. Elements 2015;; 11 (3): 195–200. doi: https://doi.org/10.2113/gselements.11.3.195 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyElements Search Advanced Search Abstract Apatite has numerous applications that benefit society. The atomic arrangement of the apatite crystal structure and its rich and variable chemistry impart unique properties, which permit a wide range of technological and scientific applications in an array of disciplines outside of the traditional Earth sciences, including ecology, agronomy, biology, medicine, archeology, environmental remediation, and materials science. In our daily lives, apatite is essential for sustaining and enhancing human life through agricultural amendments, through bone replacements, through fluorescent lights, and through environmental remediation of contaminated soils. Apatite is truly a technological gem. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.