Belovite
Classification:
Belovite is a variety of apatite; for details, see under the heading apatite.
Synonyms/Trade Names:
Talmessit.
Chemistry/Composition:
Ca5(F/(PO4)3) . It contains <33% SrO, and <20% rare earth elements .
Structure:
Each F atom is surrounded by three calcium atoms in one plane, and additional Ca-O columns are linked by PO4 groups forming a hexagonal network.
Crystallographic Constants:
6.040 6.040 6.040 105.570 105.570 105.570.
Crystal Group:
Hexagonal.
Color:
Normally white or colorless, seldom greenish or yellowish.
Optical Properties:
n=1.6.
Pleochroism:
colorless to gray-black.
Powder Diagram:
3.54 3.45 2.05 2.46 (5-418).
Natural Sources:
World-wide.
Medical Importance:
Key Hazards:
Probably fibrogenic, probably mutagenic.
Involved Organs:
Probably lung.
Exposure/Epidemiology:
Exposure or technical uses are not known.
Thresholds:
In Germany, MAK 6 mg/m3.
Etiology/Pathophysiology:
Detailed data are not known.
Lung Diseases:
Associated specific diseases are not known; however, the mineral is listed by the ISO, i.e., possibly fibrogenic and mutagenic forms exist.
Clinical Presentation:
No associated symptoms are known.
Radiology:
Chest radiographs are usually normal.
Lung Function:
Usually normal.
Bronchoalveolar Lavage:
The dust can be analyzed in the lavage fluid.
Pathology:
Gross:
The lungs display no abnormal findings.
Histology:
The dust is deposited in the distant airways, and can be ingested by macrophages, and transferred to the proximal lymph nodes. An increased number of intra-alveolar macrophages and mild mononuclear inflammatory infiltrates may be noted.
Prognosis:
Usually good and without serious sequelae.
Additional Diseases:
None.
References:
search Pubmed for Belovite