Green Fluorapatite - Sapo Mine, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Specimen from historic collection of Luiz Menezes, one of Brazil’s most respected mineral collectors.

This green fluorapatite specimen comes from the famous Sapo Mine in Minas Gerais, Brazil, a prolific pegmatite source known for producing world-class phosphate minerals. Geologically, the Sapo Mine lies within the Eastern Brazilian Pegmatite Province, where highly evolved, lithium- and phosphate-rich pegmatites intruded ancient metamorphic rocks. These pegmatites formed during the final stages of magmatic crystallization, enriched in volatile elements like fluorine, phosphorus, and trace metals—ideal conditions for the growth of apatite group minerals.

The green coloration in Fluorapatite is typically caused by trace amounts of iron, occasionally combined with manganese or other minor elements. Unlike the transparent gemmy crystals Sapo is famous for, this specimen likely formed under slightly different geochemical or thermal conditions—perhaps in zones with higher fluid saturation or more rapid cooling—resulting in a more saturated, opaque to translucent crystal rather than clear. These crystals still develop the characteristic hexagonal prismatic habit, often showing striations along the length of the prism faces and a vitreous luster. Sapo Fluorapatite frequently occurs in association with quartz, muscovite, albite, and other phosphate minerals, and may also display natural etching or secondary overgrowths due to late-stage fluid interactions.

This specimen represents not only the complex geochemistry of Brazil’s pegmatites but also the natural variation that makes each piece from Sapo Mine uniquely beautiful and scientifically valuable.

For the believers:

Green Fluorapatite is believed to support emotional healing, mental clarity, and personal growth. Strongly connected to the heart chakra, it encourages balance between emotion and logic, helping one make clear, compassionate decisions. This stone is also thought to boost motivation, focus, and self-discipline—making it an excellent aid for studying, planning, or pursuing goals. Its vibrant energy is said to renew the spirit, stimulate optimism, and deepen one’s connection to nature, promoting both inner harmony and forward momentum.