biogenic carbonates

Biogenic carbonates are natural minerals made from carbon and calcium that are produced by living organisms, such as plants and marine animals. Common examples include the shells of mollusks, corals, and the bones of some organisms. These carbonates play a crucial role in the carbon cycle, helping to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the ocean and sediments. This process is essential for regulating Earth's climate and supporting various ecosystems. When these organisms die, their carbon-rich bodies can form limestone or other carbonate rocks over millions of years, storing carbon in the Earth's crust.