Enamel is primarily composed of which type of crystals?

Enamel is primarily composed of hydroxyapatite crystals, which are a mineral form of calcium phosphate. This crystalline structure provides enamel with its remarkable hardness and strength, making it the hardest substance in the body. Hydroxyapatite crystals are organized in a highly structured arrangement, allowing enamel to effectively withstand the forces of chewing and other mechanical stresses.

While calcium phosphate is related to the mineral composition of enamel, it is not as specific as hydroxyapatite. Dentin crystals, although they play a role in the overall structure of teeth, are fundamentally different from enamel in composition and function. Lastly, calcium carbonate is not a significant component of enamel and primarily appears in other biological contexts, such as in certain shells or bone structures, rather than in dental enamel.