What is "struvite"

Struvite \Struv"ite\, n. [After the Russian minister Von Struve.] (Min.) A crystalline mineral found in guano. It is a hydrous phosphate of magnesia and ammonia.

n. (context mineral English) An orthorhombic ammonium magnesium phosphate mineral.

Struvite ( magnesium ammonium phosphate) is a phosphate mineral with formula: NHMgPO·6HO. Struvite crystallizes in the orthorhombic system as white to yellowish or brownish-white pyramidal crystals or in platey mica-like forms. It is a soft mineral with Mohs hardness of 1.5 to 2 and has a low specific gravity of 1.7. It is sparingly soluble in neutral and alkaline conditions, but readily soluble in acid.

Struvite urinary stones and crystals form readily in the urine of animals and humans that are infected with ammonia-producing organisms. They are potentiated by alkaline urine and high magnesium excretion (high magnesium/plant-based diets). They also are potentiated by a specific urinary protein, in domestic cats.