The aim of this paper is to survey the achievements in the field of crystallochemistry of natural phosphates and the application of the results obtained to phosphate technology. The absolute majority of phosphate minerals belongs to the apatite group with the ideal formula Ca10(PO4)6F2. It is shown that every atom in the real structure of apatite is characterized by at least two non-equivalent crystallochemical positions. The crystal lattice of phosphate is dynamic. Energetic treatment of apatites results in the relocalization of anions from one structural position into the other. Distribution of various ions between their non-equivalent structural positions is of great importance to mineral properties. Crystallochemical analysis facilitates the prediction of mineral properties, prevention of technological failures and optimization of phosphorites processing.