mineral
Tonsil Stone (Tonsillolith)
Calcium phosphate / Calcium carbonate biomineral
Hardness: 2-3 on Mohs scale; Color: yellowish-white, cream, or light brown; Luster: dull to earthy; Structure: irregular microcrystalline biomineral aggregate; Odor: foul/pungent due to sulfur compounds.
- Hardness
- 2-3 on Mohs scale
- Color
- yellowish-white, cream, or light brown
- Luster
- dull to earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2-3 on Mohs scale; Color: yellowish-white, cream, or light brown; Luster: dull to earthy; Structure: irregular microcrystalline biomineral aggregate; Odor: foul/pungent due to sulfur compounds.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation and calcification of cellular debris, bacteria, mucus, and food particles within the crypts of the palatine tonsils.
Uses & applications
No commercial or lapidary purpose; primarily of biological and medical interest.
Geological facts
Tonsilloliths are bio-aggregates composed primarily of calcium salts such as hydroxyapatite or calcium carbonate mixed with organic material. They are very common and often host anaerobic bacteria that produce volatile sulfur compounds.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its small size, off-white to yellowish color, soft to semi-hard texture, and distinctive odor when crushed. Found within tonsillar crypts in humans.
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