bonemineral

Bone mineral, sometimes referred to as bonemineral, is the inorganic component of bone tissue. It consists primarily of hydroxyapatite crystals, a calcium phosphate mineral with the approximate formula Ca5(PO4)3(OH), in which carbonate, fluoride, magnesium, and other trace elements can substitute for some ions. This mineral phase is deposited in a collagen-rich organic matrix and together they form the hard, load-bearing structure of bone.

The mineral portion provides stiffness and compressive strength, while the organic collagen matrix contributes toughness and resilience. Bone mineralization is a regulated process during bone formation and remodeling, in which osteoblasts lay down organic matrix and promote the growth of mineral crystals within and around collagen fibers. Throughout life, bone continually remodels through cycles of osteoclast-mediated resorption and osteoblast-driven formation, maintaining mineral content and adapting to mechanical loads and metabolic needs.

Calcium and phosphate homeostasis influence bone mineral content. Hormones such as parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, and calcitonin regulate mineral balance in the skeleton and bloodstream, coordinating intestinal absorption, kidney handling, and bone turnover. Disruptions in mineralization can lead to clinical conditions: osteomalacia or rickets from insufficient mineral deposition; and osteoporosis from reduced bone mass and altered mineral density, increasing fracture risk.

In clinical and research settings, bone mineral is commonly described by measurements of bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD), often assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). These metrics aid in evaluating bone health, aging, nutrition, and the effects of disease or therapy on skeletal strength.