Calcium Carbonate Collection (#5)

Foraminiferan, light micrograph. Foraminifera are marine single-celled protozoa that construct and inhabit shells composed of several chambers

Lake Mono at sunset. This lake in California, USA, is an important habitat for species of bird. In the mid-20th century the lakes tributaries were diverted to support the growth of Los Angeles

Tufa towers at Lake Mono, California, USA. Tufa is a mineral deposit formed by the precipitation of calcium salts from water saturated with bicarbonates

Tufa towers at Lake Mono, California, USA. Tufa is a mineral deposit formed by the precipitation of calcium salts from water saturated with bicarbonates

Mammoth Hot Springs mineral terrace in the Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA. The terraces form at the outflow of geothermal springs. The water is heated under pressure deep underground

Mineral terrace. The white material on the terrace is the mineral travertine. These terraces form at the outflow of a geothermal spring

Chicken reproduction, artwork
Chicken reproduction. Cutaway artwork of a female chicken, showing the internal process that produces its egg. The sequence progresses from upper left to lower right

Polished limestone. Three samples of polished limestone. Limestone is a sedimentary rock that consists mainly of calcium carbonate. The different colours are caused by impurities

Rock strata in cliff face, Hunstanton
Cliffs at Hunstanton, Norfolk, showing three distinct layers of rock. At the bottom is Carstone (ginger brown), a coarse and gritty sandstone from the Lower Cretaceous

Pearl in a shell. Pearls are accretions of nacre (calcium carbonate) secreted by certain oysters and mussels. The presence of a foreign body (such as a parasite or a grain of sand)

Travertine ridge at Drevenik National Nature Reserve, Slovakia. The layers of limestone rock seen here were formed successively by the precipitation of calcium carbonate from ground water emerging

Marble. Surface of polished Italian marble. Marble is a metamorphic rock mainly composed of calcite (calcium carbonate). Traces of impurities give marble its variety of colours

Balancing stone from inner ear, SEM
Balancing stone from inner ear. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of crystals of calcium carbonate on the surface of a human otolith

Coccoliths, SEM
Coccoliths, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Coccoliths are individual plates of calcium carbonate formed by coccolithophores (single-celled algae)

Coral uplifted by volcanic activity
Coral that has been uplifted above sea level by volcanic activity. The coral is long-dead, but the mineral structure remains, composed mostly of calcium minerals

Sample of limestone. Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed largely of the mineral calcite (calcium carbonate). Sedimentary rocks are formed by the compaction of water deposits over long periods of

Brain coral, artwork
Brain coral, historical artwork. This hard coral is named for its convoluted skeleton that resembles the surface of a brain. It is also known as a maze coral

Glowing limestone chip (calcium carbonate, CaCO3) held by tweezers after being heated

Stromatolites. These are mineralised microbial communities, formed from blue-green algae (also called cyanobacteria). Over the last 4000 years

Tufa spires and tower formations of calcium carbonate, Mono Lake, South Tufa Reserve, Mono Basin Scenic Area, Lee Vining, Inyo National Forest Scenic Area, California, United States of America

North America, U. S. A. California, Mono Lake, Tufa towers reflect in still Mono Lake
North America, U.S.A. California, Mono Lake, Tufa towers reflect in still Mono Lake

Tufas of calcium carbonate, Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve, California, United States of America, North America

People rappeling up the Anhumas Abyss, Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
Andre Seale / SpecialistStock

Tufas of calcium carbonate at lake in Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve, with mountains in the background, in California, United States of America, North America

Tufas of calcium carbonate surround lake in Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve, with snow capped mountains in the background, in California, United States of America, North America

Tufas of calcium carbonate, Mono Lake State Reserve, California, USA

Calcium carbonate tufas, Mono Lake, California, USA, North America

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Calcium carbonate, a fascinating mineral with diverse forms and applications. From the intricate calcareous phytoplankton fossils captured under SEM Z100 / 0213 to the mesmerizing microfossils revealed through SEM, its presence is undeniable. The existence of coelosphaeridium, a calcareous alga, further showcases the versatility of this compound. Oolitic limestone stands as a testament to calcium carbonate's ability to form unique geological structures. Its formation process leaves behind captivating patterns that captivate our imagination. And who can forget limescale crystals? Under SEM, they reveal their intricate beauty and remind us of nature's artistry. Gastropod microfossils discovered under SEM offer glimpses into ancient marine ecosystems while travertine terraces at Minerva Spring in Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park leave visitors awestruck by their grandeur. Calcareous sinter terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs in Wyoming add vibrant colors to the landscape, showcasing nature's palette. Tufas on Mono Lake in California present an enchanting sight with their towering formations and colored rocks that come alive during nightfall. Foraminiferan microfossils observed under SEM provide valuable insights into past environments and climate change. In winter at Tangled Creek within Yellowstone National Park lies another marvel – calcified trees adorned with calcium carbonate formations glistening against the snowy backdrop. These natural wonders serve as reminders of both time's passage and the enduring power of calcium carbonate. Whether it be fossilized remains or stunning geological formations across various landscapes like Yellowstone National Park or Mono Lake in California, calcium carbonate continues to amaze us with its myriad manifestations throughout history and around the world.