Especially, the common mineral apatite has formula Ca5(PO4)3X, where X is F, Cl, OH, or a mixture; it is hydroxyapatite if the extra ion is mainly hydroxide.

[5] Tricalcium phosphate is produced commercially by treating hydroxyapatite with phosphoric acid and slaked lime.

Typically double decomposition reactions are employed, involving a soluble phosphate and calcium salts, e.g. (NH4)2HPO4 + Ca(NO3)2.

An alternative to the wet procedure entails heating a mixture of a calcium pyrophosphate and calcium carbonate:[7] Tricalcium phosphate has three recognised polymorphs, the rhombohedral β form (shown above), and two high temperature forms, monoclinic α and hexagonal α′.

Calcium phosphate is also commonly derived from inorganic sources such as mineral rock.

The biodegradation of BCP involves faster dissolution of the β-TCP phase followed by elimination of HA crystals.

[7] Tricalcium phosphate is used in powdered spices as an anticaking agent, e.g. to prevent table salt from caking.

It can be used as a tissue replacement for repairing bony defects when autogenous bone graft is not feasible or possible.