Question

What occurs in the minerals of the apatite family?
(A)Phosphorus
(B)Arsenic
(C)Carbon
(D)Nitrogen

Answer 1

Hint: The apatite family is a group of minerals. Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic solids that have definite chemical compositions and structures. Minerals exist in their pure form and are mostly found in different types of rocks.

Complete step by step answer:
Apatite is named after the Greek word apate, which translates to “deceit” because it is very similar to other minerals in appearance. Apatite families can be described as a group of similar isomorphous hexagonal phosphate minerals. The main apatite group consists of Fluorapatite, Chlorapatite, and Hydroxylapatite. Sometimes it is quite difficult to distinguish between the individual members of the particular group.
Apatite is the most typical phosphate mineral and one of the key sources of phosphorus vital for plants. The teeth and bones of various animals, including humans, are composed of Calcium phosphate, which is also the same material as apatite. The chemical formula for the most common members of apatite is as - $ C{a_5}{(P{O_4})_3}X $ , here $X$ can be $Cl,\,F,\,or\,OH$ depending on the member.
The formula of Individual apatite minerals are as:
Fluor apatite - $ C{a_5}{(P{O_4})_3}F $ , Chlorapatite - $ C{a_5}{(P{O_4})_3}Cl $ , Hydroxylapatite - $ C{a_5}{(P{O_4})_3}OH $ . The hardness of Apatite on Mohs scale is $5$. They are formed as well-shaped hexagonal crystals, which may be prismatic or di-pyramidal.
So after this discussion, we can conclude that the main element in the apatite mineral is Phosphorous.
Hence the correct answer for this question is option - (A) Phosphorous.

Note:
Apatites are widely used in various fields, most commonly in the manufacturing of fertilizers, they are also used as a gemstone by some people. The extended group of the main apatite group consists of Pyromorphite, mimetite, and vanadinite.