Crystal morphology and texture in calcium oxalate monohydrate renal calculi.

The morphology of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals in renal calculi has been studied. Morphology modifications with respect to equilibrium morphology have been explained from the structure of (1 0 0) crystal faces and the effect of polyelectrolytes present in urine. The texture of the stones has been considered as the result of both primary aggregation and crystal aggregation produced by anionic macromolecules. The arrangement in concentric layers of crystals with a radial disposition has been related to a process of intense nucleation induced by anionic macromolecules and typical polycrystalline growth on films.