Routes to reduction of phosphate by high-energy events

Abstract Phosphate minerals such as those in the apatite group tend to be dominant forms of phosphorus on Earth’s surface. can reduced phosphides during high-energy events, lightning and impacts. Here we show that, addition formation metal phosphides, a new compound was formed by fulgurite from New Port Richey, Florida, USA. A calcium phosphite material, ideally CaHPO 3 , found spherules mainly consisting iron silicides that lightning-induced fusion sand around tree root. This material bears oxidation state intermediate phosphates geologic sample implicates phosphites being potentially relevant other events where may partially change its redox state, similar this also source makes up part biogeochemical cycle.