Calcium oxalate

Calcium oxalate is an ionic compound composed of calcium ions and oxalate ions. It occurs as hydrated crystals in plants and is a major component of many kidney stones.

Oxalate: Oxalate is the dianion of oxalic acid, with formula C₂O₄²⁻. Oxalate supplies the negatively charged ion that combines with calcium to form the compound.
Solubility product: The solubility product is the equilibrium constant for a sparingly soluble ionic solid dissolving into its constituent ions. Calcium oxalate precipitates when dissolved calcium and oxalate exceed its solubility threshold.
Nephrolithiasis: Nephrolithiasis is the formation of stones within the kidneys or urinary tract. Calcium oxalate is a major mineral in these stones.
Calcium phosphate: Calcium phosphate is a family of ionic compounds made from calcium and phosphate ions. It is another common mineral in kidney stones, with chemistry distinct from calcium oxalate.
Calcium: Calcium is a chemical element with atomic number 20 and a common divalent ion, Ca²⁺. Calcium ions pair with oxalate ions in the crystal lattice.
Supersaturation: Supersaturation occurs when a solution contains more dissolved solute than its equilibrium solubility permits. Supersaturation drives calcium oxalate nucleation and crystal growth.
Urinalysis: Urinalysis is the laboratory examination of urine for physical, chemical, and microscopic features. Microscopy can reveal calcium oxalate crystals in urine, though crystals alone do not establish a stone diagnosis.
Uric acid: Uric acid is a nitrogen-containing organic compound formed during purine breakdown. Uric acid stones are a chemically different type of kidney stone.
Ionic bond: An ionic bond is electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. The attraction between calcium and oxalate ions holds the solid together.
Nucleation: Nucleation is the initial formation of a stable cluster from which a new phase can grow. It is the first step in forming calcium oxalate crystals in urine or plant cells.

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