Elemental imaging via scanning transmission x-ray microscopy (STXM) and scanning fluorescence x-ray microscopy (SFXM) has been used to image calcium deposits in cartilage. In the case of STXM, 0.1-mu-m thick sections were imaged to investigate the proximity of calcium deposits in relation to chondrocyte cells. The resolution available was 0.5-mu-m, and field widths of up to 25-mu-m were used at this resolution. The resolution available in SFXM was 10-mu-m, and field widths of up to 2 mm were used at this resolution on 5-mu-m thick specimens. Together these techniques were used to map calcium deposits at the cellular level, and at the full tissue size level.