Crystals of the pure compound belong to the monoclinic space group C2/c and are colorless.

Brushite was first described in 1865 for an occurrence on Aves Island, Nueva Esparta, Venezuela, and named for the American mineralogist George Jarvis Brush (1831–1912).

[4] It is believed to be a precursor of apatite and is found in guano-rich caves, formed by the interaction of guano with calcite and clay at a low pH.

[4] Associated minerals include tanarakite, ardealite, hydroxylapatite, variscite and gypsum.

[2] Brushite is the original precipitating material in calcium phosphate kidney stones.