On Biomineralization

A large variety of organisms - from bacteria to man - form minerals. Mineral-containing tissues include skeletons, teeth, spines, and shells. Why, where, and how these minerals form are the central questions addressed in this book. These questions have become important in many fields, including geology, archaeology, materials science, and medicine. Heinz Lowenstam, the pioneering researcher in biomineralization, and Stephen Weiner discuss the basic principles of mineral formation by organisms, and compare the various processes.