calciumoxalaat

Calcium oxalate is a chemical compound with the formula CaC2O4. It is a salt of calcium and oxalate. This compound is a white crystalline solid and is insoluble in water. Calcium oxalate is the most common component of kidney stones and bladder stones in humans and pets. It can also form in plants as a defense mechanism against herbivores.

In humans, high levels of oxalate in the urine can lead to the formation of calcium oxalate stones. This can occur due to genetic factors, certain medical conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, or dietary intake of high-oxalate foods such as spinach, rhubarb, and nuts. Symptoms of kidney stones include severe pain in the back and side, blood in the urine, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment often involves increasing fluid intake, pain management, and in some cases, medical procedures to break up or remove the stones.

In plants, calcium oxalate crystals can appear in various forms, including raphides (needle-shaped bundles), druses (spherical clusters), and prismatic crystals. These crystals are thought to deter herbivores by causing irritation to the mouth and digestive tract, or by contributing to the plant's structural integrity. Some plants with significant calcium oxalate content, like dieffenbachia and philodendron, can cause severe oral irritation and swelling if ingested.

The presence of calcium oxalate can also be relevant in industrial processes, such as in the production of certain chemicals or as a component in some types of cement. Understanding the formation and properties of calcium oxalate is important in medicine, botany, and material science.