Practical application of studies on calcification

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.

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