Biomineralization: Principles and Concepts

This lecture introduces the principles and concepts of biomineralization, covering the production of biominerals by living organisms, the types of biominerals found in different organisms, the distinction between induced and controlled biomineralization, and the impact of biomineralization on the biosphere. It explores the variety of biominerals, the chemical compositions of different mineral phases, and the mechanisms by which organisms control the properties of biominerals. The lecture also delves into the historical evolution of minerals on Earth, the reasons behind the diversity of biominerals, and the significance of calcium carbonate, silica, and hydroxyapatite in biomineralization.