Forms of apatite in Khibiny ores and their effect on dressing

Abstract

Major apatite grain shapes in apatite-nepheline ores, structures formed by apatite and the characteristics of mineral opening displayed upon ore grinding are discussed. It is shown that apatite is a basic ore mineral of ore. It is crystallized as an igneous mineral in panidiomorphic texture. It is a major texture in the ore, showing that it is easily destroyed due to the weak physical properties of apatite. However, the ore contains more complex associations occurring as poikilitic crystals of minerals, which are harder than apatite, such as nepheline, pyroxene and titanite. Poikilitic crystals carry fine apatite crystal inclusions. The presence of “poikilitic” apatite makes it hard to grind and open apatite.