Research Progress on Biomineralization Mechanism of Freshwater Pearl

doi:10.3724/SP.J.1077.2013.12109

Abstract

Abstract:

Calcium carbonate exists widely in many kinds of biominerals, and is one of the most widespread biominerals on the earth. The main component of the shell and pearl is calcium carbonate. In China, the majority of the freshwater pearls originated from Hyriopsis cumingii (Zhuji, Zhejiang Province) is with excellent quality and has outstanding pearly luster. The inorganic phase of this luster pearl is aragonite crystal and is regarded as aragonite pearl. Recently, the vaterite is observed in the freshwater cultured pearls, which is responsible for the lack luster and poor quality of the pearls. In the present paper, microstructure and property of the freshwater aragonite and vaterite pearl are introduced. In addition, in vitro growth of calcium carbonate crystal related to the pearl is reviewed. At last, the future research of nacre biomineralization is expected.

Key words: freshwater pearl, aragonite, vaterite, biomineralization, review

CLC Number:

P574

MA Yu-Fei, QIAO Li, FENG Qing-Ling. Research Progress on Biomineralization Mechanism of Freshwater Pearl[J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, 2013, 28(1): 109-116.

Figures/Tables 10

Fig. 1 Optical photos of aragonite pearls (a) and vaterite pearls (b)

Fig. 2 Comparative SEM views for pearl internal layer crystals (mostly calcite) (a) and external surface crystals (mostly aragonite) (b)[19]

Fig. 3 SEM images of vaterite tablets and layers in lackluster pearls after 10wt% EDTA-2Na treatment[20]

Fig. 4 X-ray microanalysis of vaterite pearl surface[22]

Fig. 5 HRTEM micrograph (a) and SAED corresponding patterns (b) of the vaterite pearl. Curve A indicates twin stacking faults, and curve B stands for superstructure. The SAED patterns show the superstructure and disordered stacking[23]

Fig. 6 Calcium carbonate crystals induced by WSM of aragonite pearl (a) and ASM of vaterite pearl (b)[37]

Fig. 7 SEM images of CaCO3 grown on nacre surface for different time[42]

Fig. 8 Schematic representation of the growth sequence of CaCO3 on nacre[42]

Fig. 9 SEM image of vaterite crystals grown on the original section of vaterite pearl[22]

Fig. 10 SEM micrographs of calcite matrix and calcite layers deposited on glutamic acid layers[43]

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