Discover Svabite from Långban Mine, Värmland County, Sweden, a calcium arsenate mineral belonging to the apatite supergroup. Svabite has the chemical formula Ca₅(AsO₄)₃F and crystallises in the hexagonal crystal system.
Tested by GeoFossils under Short Wave (SW) UV, these specimens display a fluorescent response under the confirmed wavelength. Only the UV behaviour observed on the GeoFossils stock is stated here.
Långban is a historically important Swedish mineral locality with an exceptionally diverse mineral assemblage and numerous documented type-locality species, making specimens from the area particularly relevant to locality and systematic mineral collectors.
UV fluorescence
| UV Wavelength | Observed Response |
|---|---|
| Short Wave (SW) | Fluorescent response observed |
The response above has been observed by GeoFossils on the material being offered.
Fluorescence intensity and appearance may vary naturally between specimens and can also be affected by UV wavelength, lamp output, ambient lighting and viewing conditions.
Scientific information
| Property | Information |
|---|---|
| Primary Mineral | Svabite |
| Formal Mineral Name | Svabite |
| Chemical Formula | Ca₅(AsO₄)₃F |
| Mineral Class | Arsenate |
| Mineral Group | Apatite Group, Apatite Supergroup |
| Crystal System | Hexagonal |
| Mohs Hardness | Approximately 4–5 |
| Typical Lustre | Vitreous to subresinous |
| Country | Sweden |
| Specific Locality | Långban Mine, Värmland County, Sweden |
| UV Reactive | Yes |
| Observed UV Wavelengths | Short Wave (SW) |
| Observed Fluorescence | Fluorescent response observed under SW UV |
Svabite is the arsenate analogue of fluorapatite and the fluorine-dominant analogue of johnbaumite.
Formation & mineralogy
Svabite is a calcium arsenate mineral with fluorine as an essential component of its structure. Its formula, Ca₅(AsO₄)₃F, places it within the apatite supergroup, whose members share related crystal structures but differ according to their dominant chemical constituents.
The mineral crystallises in the hexagonal system and may occur as prismatic crystals or massive material. Published mineralogical descriptions give a Mohs hardness of approximately 4–5.
Svabite is closely related structurally to johnbaumite and turneaureite, which belong to the same broader apatite-group chemistry. Mineralogical identification therefore depends on composition rather than visual appearance alone.
Locality & collector significance
Långban Mine in Värmland County is one of Sweden's historically important mineral localities.
The mine is associated with a large and unusually diverse suite of mineral species and is recorded as the type locality for numerous minerals. This long mineralogical history gives Långban material particular relevance to collectors interested in Swedish mineralogy, systematic collections and historically important mining localities.
Svabite itself is documented from Långban Mine. The GeoFossils provenance for these specimens remains specifically Långban Mine, Värmland County, Sweden.
Viewing your UV mineral
For the clearest fluorescent response, view the specimen in a dark environment using an appropriate Short Wave mineral UV lamp.
GeoFossils has confirmed a response under Short Wave (SW) UV for this material. No Medium Wave or Long Wave response is claimed for these specimens.
Always follow the UV equipment manufacturer's instructions and avoid looking directly into the UV light source.
Care instructions
With a Mohs hardness of approximately 4–5, Svabite should be handled carefully to minimise scratching, chipping or damage to mineral surfaces.
Keep the specimen separate from harder minerals where practical. For routine cleaning, gently remove loose dust using a soft, dry brush.
Avoid abrasive cleaning methods and harsh household chemicals.
Frequently asked questions
Is Svabite fluorescent?
These GeoFossils specimens have been tested and observed displaying a fluorescent response under Short Wave (SW) UV. This observation applies to the material being sold and should not automatically be generalised to all Svabite specimens.
Which UV wavelength does this Svabite respond to?
GeoFossils has confirmed a fluorescent response under Short Wave (SW) UV.
Where is this Svabite from?
The supplied provenance is Långban Mine, Värmland County, Sweden.
What is Svabite made of?
Svabite is a calcium arsenate mineral with the formula Ca₅(AsO₄)₃F.
What mineral group does Svabite belong to?
Svabite belongs to the apatite group within the apatite supergroup. It is the arsenate analogue of fluorapatite.
Why is Långban important to mineral collectors?
Långban is a historically important Swedish mineral locality and is the documented type locality for numerous mineral species.
Location
Långban Mine | Värmland County | Sweden
Please note
Each mineral specimen is naturally unique, so shape, colour, surface characteristics, mineral distribution and fluorescent response may vary between pieces.
Fluorescent appearance in photographs can differ from direct observation. UV wavelength, lamp intensity, camera settings, ambient lighting and viewing conditions can all affect the appearance and intensity of fluorescence.
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