A method to prepare granular palygorskite (GPA) was put forward in this research, and its potential use to remove phosphate species from aqueous solution was assessed. Batch experiments were performed to study the adsorption equilibrium and influence of contact time and pH on the adsorption and desorption of phosphate onto GPA in water. The maximum phosphate adsorption capacity of GPA was 13.1 mg/g. Kinetic data revealed that more than 90% of phosphate was adsorbed onto GPA within 2 hours. Phosphate adsorption capacity was 0.10 mg/g in column experiments, and co-existing anions could decrease phosphate removal. The saturated column was regenerated by 0.2 mol/L sodium hydroxide, and the GPA could be reused in phosphate removal. The data obtained from both batch and column studies indicated that GPA could be used effectively to remove phosphate from water.