Science News
Practical application of studies on calcification
PUBLICATION — Stolarski, J., van Dijk, I., Benning, L. G. 2025. Controls on CaCO3 polymorphism: From laboratory precipitation to biomineralization across geological time. Elements 21(2): 92–97, https://doi.org/10.2138/gselements.21.2.92
Figure: Synthetic and biogenic calcium carbonate polymorphs. Left: Synthetic vaterite (yellow) on calcite (red). Right: Bivalve shell with aragonite (blue) and calcite (red). SEM, false colors.
Shaping calcium carbonate: Biological and environmental controls on polymorphism
Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) is among the most widespread chemical compounds on Earth. Its multiple forms – calcite, aragonite, and vaterite – have distinct properties. Many organisms utilize CaCO₃ for biomineralized structures, modulating its polymorphism via physiological processes. This article synthesizes current knowledge on abiotic and biological mechanisms governing the formation of CaCO₃ polymorphs (ocean chemistry, physiology). Strategies used by organisms to regulate polymorphism could inform the sustainable fabrication of materials with tailored properties.
Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) is among the most widespread chemical compounds on Earth. Its multiple forms – calcite, aragonite, and vaterite – have distinct properties. Many organisms utilize CaCO₃ for biomineralized structures, modulating its polymorphism via physiological processes. This article synthesizes current knowledge on abiotic and biological mechanisms governing the formation of CaCO₃ polymorphs (ocean chemistry, physiology). Strategies used by organisms to regulate polymorphism could inform the sustainable fabrication of materials with tailored properties.