The main inorganic component of the bone matrix is hydroxyapatite, a crystalline structure composed primarily of calcium and phosphate ions. This mineral provides rigidity and strength to bones, enabling them to support body weight and resist mechanical stress. Unlike organic components like collagen, hydroxyapatite is responsible for the hardness and durability of the skeletal system, which is critical during surgical procedures involving bone cutting or fixation. Understanding the role of hydroxyapatite helps surgeons anticipate bone behavior under mechanical forces and during healing.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy, Henry Gray, 42nd Edition.