Introduction to Kidney Stones Kidney stones, medically known as renal calculi, are hard mineral and salt deposits that form within the kidneys. They are primarily composed of calcium oxalate, but can also consist of uric acid, struvite, or cystine. These stones develop when the urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together. The formation process can be influenced by various factors, including diet, dehydration, and genetic predisposition. The…