Crystallographic and chemical analysis of human bone apatite (Crista Iliaca).

Crystallographic (X-ray diffraction) and chemical (X-ray fluorescence and combustion analysis) investigations on bone microsamples (human iliac crest of 111 individuals aged 0-90 years) reveal that certain crystallographic and chemical parameters (lattice parameters, crystallinity, chemical compounds, biomineralic fraction...) are closely related to aging and type of tissue (corticalis and spongiosa). In juvenile bone [0-25y], the biomineralic fraction rises significantly, as does crystallinity and area of apatite (002)-reflection indicating a growth of crystal size. The second main age interval [25-50y] does not display statistically relevant variations with age. The third main age group [50-90y] is characterized by large chemical variations, probably due to overlapping effects of age and declining health.