Apatite can be found in igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
It's a rich source of phosphorus which is important for all forms of life.
Most of the body's phosphorus is in teeth and bones. It's the second most abundant mineral after calcium.
The mineral apatite is soft, fragile and scratches easily. It's not easy to cut so is rarely used as a gemstone.
Apatite can be quite difficult to identify and is often mistaken for other minerals.
Its name comes from the Greek word "apate" which means "to deceive" or "to be deceptive".