title: Application of mineralogical techniques in the study of human lithiasis.
abstract: The authors review the mineralogical methods and techniques of analyzing calculi, stony concretions in the body. They discuss the main types of kidney stones (prostate, testicular, salivary, and bile) and the different diagnostic methods in mineralogy. By applying the techniques of optical microscopy and electron microscopy, they describe the different characteristics of human stones, based on extensive experience as evidenced by their numerous studies.
authors.affiliation: Edafología and Quimica Agrícola, Granada University, Granada, Spain.
authors.forename: Jose
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Aguilar-Ruiz
authors.forename: Miguel Angel
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Arrabal-Polo
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sierra
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Arrabal-Martin
mesh_terms: D002137:Calculi / Q000737:chemistry / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000648:ultrastructure / Q000652:urine; D003460:Crystallization; D018360:Crystallography, X-Ray; D003545:Cysteine / Q000737:chemistry; D003584:Cytological Techniques; D005260:Female; D005832:Genital Diseases, Male / Q000175:diagnosis; D005844:Geology / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000175:diagnosis; D020347:Lithiasis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000648:ultrastructure / Q000652:urine; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D019815:Oxalic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D010710:Phosphates / Q000737:chemistry; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011469:Prostatic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D010710:Phosphates; D014527:Uric Acid; D019815:Oxalic Acid; D003545:Cysteine