Bone quality encompasses all the characteristics of bone that, in addition to density, contribute to its resistance to fracture. In this review, we consider changes in architecture, porosity and composition, including collagen structure, mineral composition and crystal size. These factors all are known to vary with tissue and animal ages, and health status. Bone morphology and presence of micro-cracks which also contribute to bone quality, will not be discussed in this review. Correlations with mechanical performance for collagen cross-linking, crystallinity and carbonate content are contrasted with mineral content. Age dependent changes in humans and rodents are discussed in terms of using rodent models of disease. Examples are osteoporosis, osteomalacia, osteogenesis imperfecta, and osteopetrosis, in both humans and animal models. Each of these conditions, along with aging, are associated with increased fracture risk for distinct reasons.