The element phosphorus is very important for the basic machinery of life. Thus phosphate minerals, in which phosphorus is oxidized in the phosphate group, PO4, are part of a tight geochemical cycle that includes the biosphere, rather like the carbon cycle. Learn more about the phosphorus cycle.
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- ApatiteThe main igneous and metamorphic phosphate
- LazuliteLazulite
- PyromorphiteA lead-bearing phosphate
- TurquoiseThe most precious phosphate
- VarisciteA surface-dwelling phosphate
- Graphic Index
- Text Index
