Infrared spectroscopy for the study of urinary calculi

The occurance of the urinary stones varies according to the geographical regions. The presence of stones in the urinary system causes pain and discomfort. These generate colics and hence are sometimes life threatening. In the present study, infrared measurements have been made on several stone samples. It has been found that calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, magnesiunm ammonium phosphate, calcium carbonate, uric acid, -cystine and xanthin are present, as expected. Also, silicon dioxide is found to be present in some of the stones but in small quantity, in addition to the above constituents. This constituent is responsible to exhibit piezoelectricity in the urinary calculi.