TITLE:
X-Ray Diffraction Is a Promising Tool to Characterize Coral Skeletons
AUTHORS:
M. Azizur Rahman, Jochen Halfar, Ryuichi Shinjo
KEYWORDS:
Biomineralization; Coral Skeletons; Organic Matrix Proteins; Sclerites; Soft Corals; X-Ray Diffraction
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Materials Physics and Chemistry,
Vol.3 No.1A,
April
28,
2013
ABSTRACT:
The skeletons of corals
are made of calcium carbonate by biomineralization process, in the form of
aragonite or calcite. To understand the characteristics of coral skeletons,
especially mineralogy, crystal phases, organization and structure in individual
species, X-ray powder diffraction techniques have gained increased interest in
recent years as useful non-destructive tools. This review provides an overview
on the recent progress in this field and briefly introduces the related
experimental approach. The application of X-ray diffraction (XRD) to
elucidating the structural and mechanical properties of mineral crystals in
corals is reviewed in
terms of characterization of CaCO3 crystal orientation. In addition, we discuss how this technique has increased our
understanding of the function of the organic
matrix proteins of calcified coral skeletons during mineral formation. Such information is
helpful in deducing the mechanical and structural model of corals with respect to biomineralization system of skeletons.