A tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) particle for use in preparing a fast-setting, bioresorbable calcium phosphate cement is disclosed. The TTCP particle has a basic calcium phosphate whiskers or fine crystals on a surface thereof; the basic calcium phosphate whiskers of fine crystals having a Ca/P molar greater that 1.33, and having a length up to about 5000 nm and a width up to about 500 nm.