Synthesis of trace element bearing single crystals of Chlor-Apatite (Ca5(PO4)3Cl) using the flux growth method.

We present a new strategy on how to synthesize trace-element bearing (REE, Sr) chlorapatites Ca5(PO4)3Cl using the flux growth method. Synthetic apatites were up to several mm long, light blue in colour. The apatites were characterized using XRD, electron microprobe and laser ablation ICP-MS (LA-ICPMS) techniques and contained several hundred µg/g La, Ce, Pr, Sm, Gd and Lu and about 1700 µg/g Sr. The analyses indicate that apatites were homogenous (within the uncertainties) for major and trace elements.