Minerals: Which mineral is used in making fertilizers?

Apatite, particularly fluorapatite [Ca₅(PO₄)₃F], is the primary source of phosphorus for fertilizer production. Phosphate rock, which is predominantly apatite, is processed to create phosphoric acid and various phosphate fertilizers essential for plant growth. Major phosphate deposits exist in Morocco, China, the United States, and Russia, making apatite crucial for global food security.