Piezoelectric effect in renal calculi

The piezoelectric effect is investigated for the first time in renal calculi in vitro. The kidney stones are shaped from solid samples as well as from stones crushed into powder and pressed into tablets. Presence of alpha quartz in the renal calculi is investigated by an X-ray technique and the presence of this constituent also helps to explain the piezoelectric effect in the renal calculi. The dielectric and piezoelectric parameters are studied in detail.