phosphate minerals

Phosphate minerals are naturally occurring compounds containing the element phosphorus combined with other elements, typically oxygen. They are essential in biological systems, especially in forming DNA, bones, and teeth, and are also used in fertilizers to help plants grow. These minerals often form in sediments from the accumulation of phosphate-rich biological material or through specific geological processes. Common examples include apatite and monazite. Phosphate minerals play a critical role in agriculture and industry, and their extraction supports global food production and various manufacturing processes.