A method to prepare hydroxyapatite-Ca-10(PO4)(6)(OH)(2)-at low temperature is studied. This simple and non-polluting method consists in neutralizing a suspension of lime (Ca(OH)(2)) with a solution of orthophosphoric acid. The chemical and physical properties of the initial lime particles have a great influence on the quality of the hydroxyapatite produced. Several kinds of lime were characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, size analysis, specific surface area and chemical analysis and tested in this work. Among the impurities contained in the lime, magnesium ion shows a strong influence on the formation of hydroxyapatite. The stoichiometry of the hydroxyapatite precipitate and its purity once calcinated depend on the quality of the raw materials.