Fluorapatite

specimen number:
2262088

location:
Cerro de Mercado Mine, Durango, Mexico

description:
A classic Mexican specimen, this a large yellow green terminated prismatic lustrous crystal of fluorapatite. In good condition. The reddish color is due to the presence of hematite.

The Cerro de Mercado Mine, located on the northern outskirts of Durango City, Mexico, is a world-class iron deposit situated within a prominent hill of hematite and magnetite. Geologically, it is classified as a Kiruna-type or iron oxide-apatite (IOA) deposit, formed by volcanic-hydrothermal processes associated with the Tertiary-aged Chupaderos Caldera complex. The mine is famous among mineralogists for its exceptional crystals of fluorapatite, which typically occur as transparent, gem-quality, yellow to greenish-yellow prismatic crystals found within vugs and fractures in the massive iron ore. Historically, the iron outcrop was noted by Spanish explorers as early as 1552, but organized mining and quarrying did not begin until the late 19th century when the first blast furnaces were established in Durango. Industrial operations expanded significantly throughout the 20th century under various owners, including Altos Hornos de Mexico, and the site remains an active producer of high-grade iron ore and prized mineral specimens through 2026. The locality stands as a classic example of an iron-rich volcanic neck and continues to be a primary source for studying the relationship between magnetite and apatite mineralization.

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