Some Properties of Pseudowavellite from Florida

The physical properties, chemical behavior under thermal treatment, and fertilizer value of fluorine-containing pseudowavellite (hydrous calcium aluminum phosphate) that occurs as phosphate clay admixed with quartz sand in an extensive deposit near Bartow, Fla., were determined by experiments in laboratory, pilot-plant, and greenhouse. When the mineral was heated at 500°C, 80 pct of the phosphorus became citrate soluble. The heated product, however, deteriorates markedly under moist conditions such as obtain in the soil.