mineral
Kidney Stone (Urolith / Calcium Oxalate Stone)
Calcium Oxalate Monohydrate (Whewellite) / Calcium Oxalate Dihydrate (Weddellite)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 3.5-4 on Mohs scale. Color: Brownish, tan, yellow, or reddish-brown with crystalline/jagged or rounded concentric texture. Luster: Dull to vitreous. Structure: Microcrystalline aggregate.
- Hardness
- 3
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3.5-4 on Mohs scale. Color: Brownish, tan, yellow, or reddish-brown with crystalline/jagged or rounded concentric texture. Luster: Dull to vitreous. Structure: Microcrystalline aggregate.
Formation & geological history
Formed through biomineralization within the human urinary tract (kidneys) when urinary mineral salts (calcium, oxalate, uric acid) precipitate out of supersaturated urine.
Uses & applications
Biological mineral deposit (calculus); studied in medicine and biomineralogy.
Geological facts
Although formed inside a living organism rather than deep within Earth's crust, kidney stones consist of true mineral phases such as whewellite, weddellite, apatite, or cystine, making them biogenic minerals.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its small size (few millimeters), yellowish-brown to dark brown coloration, central cavity or concentric growth layers, and origin of passing from the body.
