Trace element uptake, morphology & crystal growth

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Minerals are naturally-occurring crystalline solids whose morphology and composition are sensitive to environmental conditions under which they form. They may form abiotically, under a wide range of temperature and pressures, or at the Earth's surface where they commonly precipitate under the influence of living organisms. Commonly, their crystals develop morphologies influenced by their environment or by the biochemistry of the living organisms that secrete them. Cristals also commonly capture foreign ions ("impurities"). For these reasons, themorphology and composition of crystalline materials records information about the environmental conditions in which they grew.  Understanding how crystals grow and trap chemical impurities can help us better reconstruct ancient environments and events in Earth's history. It may even help us find ways to design new crystalline materials, repair bones or prevent the formation of undesirable minerals in our bodies.