The elemental composition of renal and ureteral stones determined with the energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence method (ED-XRF).

Many theories describe the lithogenesis within urinary tract. In addition, trace amounts of some heavy metals have been found in urinary calculi. However, their role in lithogenesis is still debated. Trace and heavy metals may be involved in induction of crystallization, depending on the relationships between metals and solutes able to crystallize in urine. Many papers have evaluated the elemental concentration of kidney stones, however there are still less data concerning the elemental composition of kidney and ureteral stones.