Knowing the type of crystal helps determine the cause and may help to reduce the risk of recurrence
View images of different types of calcium oxalate crystals found in the kidneys
Calcium oxalate crystals
Calcium oxalate crystals are the most common type of crystal. Approximately 80% of crystals are a form of calcium. They are usually made of calcium and oxalate (a natural chemical found in most foods), but are sometimes made of calcium and phosphate.
Oxalate is a naturally occurring substance found in food. Some fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts and chocolate, have high oxalate levels. Your liver also produces oxalate.
Dietary factors, high doses of vitamin D, intestinal bypass surgery and several metabolic disorders can increase the concentration of calcium or oxalate in urine. Calcium crystals may also occur in the form of calcium phosphate.
Other less common crystals
Struvite crystals
Struvite crystals can happen when you have certain types of urinary tract infections in which bacteria make ammonia that builds up in your urine. Struvite crystals are made of magnesium, ammonium and phosphate. These crystals can grow quickly and become quite large, sometimes with few symptoms or little warning.
Uric acid crystals
Uric acid crystals form when your urine is often too acidic. Uric acid can form crystals by itself or with calcium. Uric acid crystals can form in people who don’t drink enough fluids or who lose too much fluid, those who eat a high-protein diet, and those who have gout. Certain genetic factors also may increase your risk of uric acid crystals.
Cystine crystals
These crystals form in people with a hereditary disorder that causes the kidneys to excrete too much of certain amino acids (cystinuria).
Other crystals
Other, rarer types of crystals also can occur.
