Rock Phosphate
How Rock Phosphate Is Formed?
Phosphate rock is formed in oceans in the form of calcium phosphate, called phosphorite. It is deposited in extensive layers that cover thousands of square miles. Originally, the element phosphorus is dissolved from rocks. Some of this phosphorus goes into the soil where plants absorb it; some is carried by streams to the oceans. In the oceans the phosphorus is precipitated Rock Phosphate is a natural rock mined from phosphorus-rich deposits. The rock is washed free from clay impurities and heated to remove moisture. It is then pelletized for easy application.
Uses:
Some phosphate rock is processed to recover elemental phosphorus. Pure phosphorus is used to make chemicals for use in industry.
The most important use of phosphate rock, though, is in the production of phosphate fertilizers for agriculture. Some is used to make calcium phosphate nutritional supplements for animals.