Urate is the most common form of uric acid present, i.e. the main component in the formation of uric acid crystals. The reason for the white precipitate that appears when urine is left for some time is that many of the organic and inorganic salts in the urine precipitate. The salts in the urine precipitate when there is less water to drink and more sweating, when the urine is concentrated or when there is a change in the acid-base balance of the urine and a drop in temperature. By the same token: patients with increased blood uric acid reduce the formation of urate crystals in the body by drinking more water, diluting the urine and urinating regularly. Otherwise, urate crystal deposits will slowly develop to form stones.