Microstructure and growth band studies of uroliths using optical and scanning electron microscopy

Detailed description, analysis and interpretation of bio-mineral formations are fundamental to an understanding of their growth and origin. Study of morphology at the macro-level can be supplemented by examining the specimen under the microscope using thin sections prepared from undisturbed samples. Until recently the main emphasis in urological research on kidney stones (uroliths), has been to assist with biological interpretation using biological microscope supported by physical, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies. However, polarizing microscope studies have not been carried out to identify the mineral composition of the biologically formed uroliths. Biologically formed kidney stones offer an excellent material to study their microstructures and features under the optical microscope supplemented by SEM analyses to decipher and hierarchically understand its development of formation. In the present study thin sections of uroliths have been examined under a polarizing microscope (Nikon Eclipse E200) supported by SEM.