Abstract
Kidney stones are classified by their chemical compositions. Calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, struvite, and cystine are the most common types of kidney stones. In this study, we investigated the surface characteristics and chemical elemental compositions of kidney stones using Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) combined with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Wavelength Dispersive Spectroscopy (WDS). Images and microanalysis using backscattered, secondary electrons, and characteristic X-ray were used in this study. Our results illustrated crystallographic and compositional information. In addition to calcium and phosphate, kidney stones were composed of sodium, aluminum and/or sulfur contents. This study confirms that Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy in conjunction with Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Diffraction can be effectively used as an imaging and analytical system for investigating and analyzing kidney stones for structural features as well as chemical composition.