P₂O₅

15.0 - 22.0

The primary grade indicator, dictates economic value and beneficiation necessity.

CaO

20.0 - 35.0

Relatively low content, reflecting a lower proportion of phosphate minerals.

MgO

1.5 - 6.0

The most critical harmful impurity. Primary target for removal via beneficiation.

Fe₂O₃

1.5 - 4.0

Harmful impurity, affects acid color and filterability.

Al₂O₃

1.0 - 3.5

Harmful impurity, synergistic negative effects with Fe₂O₃.

SiO₂

25.0 - 45.0

The primary gangue mineral. Can exceed 60% in "siliceous" type ores.

F

1.0 - 2.5

Associated element; content decreases with lower P₂O₅ grade.

CO₂

2.0 - 8.0

Originates from carbonates (dolomite, calcite); correlates with MgO content.

K₂O + Na₂O

0.5 - 2.5

Alkaline impurities, can lead to scaling in equipment.

LOI (Loss on Ignition)

5.0 - 12.0

Indicates content of organics, carbonates, and bound water.

Heavy Metals (Cd, As, Pb, etc.)

Variable, requires specific analysis

Environmentally sensitive parameters; affect regulatory approval for use.

Ore Texture

Microcrystalline, colloform, granular textures are common.

Structure

Bedded, banded, massive, nodular.

Valuable Mineral

Predominantly Carbonate-Fluorapatite (Collophane), minor Fluorapatite.

Gangue Minerals

Quartz, Chalcedony (siliceous), Dolomite, Calcite (calcareous), Clay Minerals (e.g., kaolinite, montmorillonite).

Liberation Characteristics

Fine-grained dissemination is common. Often requires fine grinding (-200 mesh or finer) to liberate phosphate minerals from gangue.

Hardness

Varies, typically medium-hard (e.g., Protodyakonov scale f=8-12).

Specific Gravity

~ 2.6 - 3.0 g/cm³

Bulk Density

~ 1.5 - 1.8 t/m³