Lustrous, Yellow Apatite Crystals on Feldspar - Morocco

Apatite is the name given to a generic group of isomorphous hexagonal phosphate minerals. Its name comes from the Greek word apatite, which means 'to deceive': this is because apatite often resembles other common hexagonal-habit minerals. Their bright, lustrous crystals are often found in vugs (small cavities in rock) associated with quartz and calcite. Many crystals are around an inch in length, though larger crystals up to about 4 inches long have been found.