Phosphates

The phosphate minerals contain phosphorus and oxygen in a 1:4 ratio.

Written as PO₄ this compound combines with other elements to form phosphates.

The three mineral examples listed below are some of the more common members of this class. There are over 200 phosphates.

The most common use of phosphate minerals is for fertilizer. It is also used as a supplemental animal feed, food preservative, fungicide, and in cosmetics.

Phosphate Minerals

Turquoise	Wavellite	Apatite

Mineral Classification

To The Gallery of Minerals

Rock and Mineral Collections

Fossil and Geologic Time Book Sets

Fossil Collections

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