Diet plays a part in stone formation. Some cases are hereditary.
Some cases are due to inborn errors of metabolism such as gout and cystinuria.
Annual incidence of urinary stones is 7 to 21 cases per 10,000 persons in the United States. Males are affected more often than females. Peak age of onset between 20 to 30 years. Uroliths vary considerably in size, shape and color and are not particularly revealing as to their chemical content. Urinary stones are sent for chemical analysis for more useful information.