The phosphate mineralogy of et-Tabun cave, Mount Carmel, Israel

Abstract

SummaryPhosphates introduced into the et-Tabun cave as a result of human habitation, mainly as bone material, were partly dissolved by slightly acid solutions (organic acids derived from human or other animal activity). From these solutions, dahllite precipitated when the solutions came into contact with calcite. In the more weathered parts of the section, where little or no calcite occurs, the phosphate minerals formed are montgomeryite and crandallite.