Phosphorite in its host rock. Phosphorite (dark red spots) is a sedimentary rock that contains high levels (at least 20 per cent) of phosphate-bearing

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Phosphorite in its host rock. Phosphorite (dark red spots) is a sedimentary rock that contains high levels (at least 20 per cent) of phosphate-bearing minerals occurring in nodular or compact masses. The phosphates originate from a variety of sources such as bird droppings and animal faeces. Here, the phosphorite occurs as round pellets (red), which are most probably fossilised animal faeces (coprolites), in a calcium rich matrix (white). This specimen was found in northern Brazil, and measures 12cm wide.

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Size: 5079px × 3592px
Photo credit: © DIRK WIERSMA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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