What is apatite?
Q: What is apatite?
A: Apatite is a group of phosphate minerals with high concentrations of OH−, F−, Cl− or ions, respectively, in the crystal.
Q: What is the characteristic of apatite in relation to biological systems?
A: Apatite is characteristic of biological systems. It is one of a few minerals produced and used by biological micro-environmental systems.
Q: What is the hardness of apatite on the Mohs scale?
A: The hardness of apatite defines 5 on the Mohs scale.
Q: What is hydroxyapatite?
A: Hydroxyapatite is the main component of tooth enamel and bone mineral.
Q: What is the rare form of apatite found in most bone material?
A: Much bone material is in a relatively rare form of apatite. In this form, most of the OH groups are absent, and there are many carbonate and acid phosphate substitutions.
Q: What is fluorapatite?
A: Fluorapatite (or fluoroapatite) is more resistant to acid attack than is hydroxyapatite.
Q: What is the relation between fluoride and dental caries?
A: In the mid-20th century, it was discovered that communities whose water supply naturally contained fluorine had lower rates of dental caries. Fluoridated water allows exchange in the teeth of fluoride ions for hydroxyl groups in apatite. Similarly, toothpaste often includes a source of fluoride anions (e.g. sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate).
