Rock Identifier
Kidney Stone (Nephrolith (typically Calcium Oxalate - CaC2O4)) — mineral
mineral

Kidney Stone

Nephrolith (typically Calcium Oxalate - CaC2O4)

Hardness: 3-4 Mohs (for calcium varieties). Color: tan, yellow, white, or brown. Luster: dull to crystalline. Structure: monoclinic crystals (Whewellite). Specific gravity: 2.2-2.3.

Hardness
3-4 Mohs (for calcium varieties)
Color
tan, yellow, white, or brown
Luster
dull to crystalline
Identified More mineral

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

Physical properties

Hardness: 3-4 Mohs (for calcium varieties). Color: tan, yellow, white, or brown. Luster: dull to crystalline. Structure: monoclinic crystals (Whewellite). Specific gravity: 2.2-2.3.

Formation & geological history

Bio-mineralization process within the human renal system. Formed when minerals in urine become highly concentrated and crystallize. Formed in contemporary biological timeframes.

Uses & applications

Clinical diagnosis and medical research; often kept by individuals as curiosities.

Geological facts

Small stones can pass naturally, but larger ones may require lithotripsy (sound waves) or surgery. They are technically a form of bio-mineralization, much like pearls or seashells.

Field identification & locations

Identified by their jagged, crystalline appearance and presence in urine. Typically found in healthcare settings. Collectors usually only possess their own.