ABSTRACT
Undesired deposition of biominerals results in pathological problems. These include crystallization in urinary tract resulting in kidney stone formation [1], crystallization within the joints causing various forms of arthritis [2], plaque formation on teeth resulting in dental calculus [3], and plaque formation within the vascular system causing atherosclerosis [4]. Urinary stone formation is a common urological disorder affecting millions of people each year [5]. Recurrence of stone formation is also very common [6]. Urinary stones may contain a variety of crystals including calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, struvite, and cystine [7]. Calcium oxalate is the primary inorganic component of kidney stones. Human urine is supersaturated with
14.1 Introduction .................................................................................................. 259 14.2 Structure, Composition, and Phase Stability of Calcium Oxalate ................260
