Mineral Resources Potential - Geothermal Resources

I ndusttial Minerals 147
The formula of the admixture of the three most common species is
written as COlj(PO&(OH, F, Cl).
Applications
Apatite is one of few minerals that are produced and used by
biological systems. H ydrox ylapatite is the major component of
tooth enamel, and a large component of bone material. Fluorapatite
is slightly stranger than hy,droxyapatite; thus, fluoridated water,
which will allow exchange in the teeth of hydroxyl ions for
fluoride ions, slightly strengthens the teeth (Noetstaller, 1 988).
Origin
Immense quantities of phosphate rock mur in older sedimentary
basin, generally formed in the hteromic. Phosphate deposits are.
thought to be sourced from the skeletons of Dead Sea creatures
which accumulated on the seafloor. Similar to iron ore deposits
and oil, particular conditions in the ocean and environment are
thought to have contributed to these deposits within the geological
past. Phosphate deposits are also formed from alkaline igneous
rocks such as nepheline sye&tes, carbonatites and associated rock
types. The phosphate is, in this case, contained within magmatic
apatite, monazite or other rare-earth phosphates.
! Phmphate dapadb in Ethiopia
Considerable efforts have been made by EGS over the last few
1
decades to discover phosphate deposits in Ethiopia. The
exploration efforts of the EGS showed the potentid of finding
phosphate accumulations in various geological settings of Ethiopia
Based on paleo-environmentah and lithologicd considerations
1 dong with findings from borehole evidence, the late Cretaceous
(Coniacian-Campmian) rock Series of Eastern. Fthiopia , has great
I potential for phosphate accumulations. The Upper Cretaceous