struviit

Struviite is a mineral composed of ammonium magnesium phosphate hexahydrate, with the chemical formula NH4MgPO4·6H2O. It is also known as triple phosphate or magnesium ammonium phosphate. Struviite is a relatively soft mineral, typically white to yellowish-brown in color, and is often found in association with organic decomposition.

The most common occurrence of struviite is in biological contexts, particularly as a component of urinary or intestinal calculi (stones) in mammals, including humans. These stones can form when there is an imbalance in urine composition, often due to infection or dietary factors. Struviite stones are a common type of bladder stone in dogs. In humans, struviite stones are frequently associated with urinary tract infections caused by bacteria that produce urease, an enzyme that breaks down urea into ammonia, increasing urine pH and promoting struviite precipitation.

Beyond biological formations, struviite can also be found in certain geological environments. It has been observed in guano deposits, which are accumulations of bat or seabird excrement. Additionally, struviite can form in industrial settings where waste streams contain high concentrations of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate, such as in wastewater treatment plants. The presence of struviite in these contexts is often an indicator of nutrient-rich environments and biological activity. Its formation is favored in alkaline conditions.