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Kidney stones are formed from varied molecules. They are usually crystals of one or another olecule, but may be formed of combinations of elements or rarely protein matrix.
Calcium oxalate is the most common type of stone. These stones are usually easy to see on x-ray and cannot be dissolved. A significant number of people with these stones have increased calcium or oxalate in the urine. Increased urinary calcium can result from an abnormal increased absorption from the intestine due to hereditary factors or bowel disease; excess leakage of calcium
from the kidneys, may be due to immobilization after surgery or an injury, or from certain medical conditions. Excessive urinary oxalate my be the result of bowel disease or dietary imbalances. Your urologist will probably test for these. Dairy products are a primary source of calcium, leafy, dark green vegetables, (spinach, collard greens, etc,), and colas are primary sources of oxalate.
Uric acid stones are common in people with gout and in people who excrete large amounts of uric acid in the urine. Uric acid stones can not be seen on x-ray, and require special tests, such as an IVP, (x-rays with injected contrast), spiral CT scans or sonography to be found. Uric acid stones can be due to family factors, various medical conditions or diets very high in animal proteins. This is the only stone that can be reliably dissolved with medical treatment.
Struvite or infection stones are typically associated with chronic urinary infection and should be looked for in patients with urinary tract infection that is difficult to clear. Struvite stones are usually visible on x-ray studies. Unfortunately, in the early stages only bladder symptoms may occur and the stones may progress silently, growing to fill the kidney, (staghorn calculus), and possibly destroy it
Miscellaneous stones such as cysteine or xanthine are rare. They may be hereditary in origin or related to certain medical conditions or medications. They are variable in visibility on x-ray, and require specialized treatment to treat.