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Non-silicate Minerals (Carbonates, Oxides, Phosphates, Sulfur-Containing, Oxalates, and Other Organic Crystals) Induced by Microorganisms

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Mineral Formation by Microorganisms

Part of the book series: Microbiology Monographs ((MICROMONO,volume 36))

Abstract

Microorganisms inhabit almost every natural environment on Earth. Since the beginning of life, microorganisms have played a fundamental role in the geochemical cycling of elements and shaped our current environments. Microorganisms that form minerals, a process known as biomineralization, contribute substantially to these processes. Over half of the essential elements required by living organisms are incorporated into biominerals. More than 60 different biominerals are known in nature, including oxides and hydroxides, carbonates, phosphates, sulfates and sulfides, silicates, and organic crystals.

Biominerals are composite materials that often exhibit superior properties when compared to their abiotically formed counterparts. Their well-designed architectures and hierarchical structures offer structural support and protection, but also fulfill a wide variety of other functions. Biominerals often reflect the physicochemical properties of the environment the biomineral was formed in. Fossilized biominerals are therefore useful tools for paleoceanographic and paleoclimate reconstructions. Biomineralization not only fascinates biologists, it also provides sophisticated models for functional materials in materials science and affects the global aspects of the earth sciences.

The chapter gives an overview over non-siliceous biominerals formed by microorganisms and lists them in tabular form ordered by taxonomic criteria. It features carbonates, oxides and hydroxides, phosphates, sulfur-containing biominerals, and organic crystals.

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Correspondence to Anne Jantschke .

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Jantschke, A. (2022). Non-silicate Minerals (Carbonates, Oxides, Phosphates, Sulfur-Containing, Oxalates, and Other Organic Crystals) Induced by Microorganisms. In: Berenjian, A., Seifan, M. (eds) Mineral Formation by Microorganisms. Microbiology Monographs, vol 36. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-80807-5_6

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