Structure and Composition of Fossils

Dear Colleagues,

A fossil is evidence of life preserved in a geologic context, including the preserved remains or traces of an animal, plant, or other organism from a past geologic age. The presence of biominerals in fossils has two main origins: (1) biogenic origin—biominerals were directly produced by the living organism (e.g., teeth or mollusk shells; (2) diagenetic changes resulting from modifications that occurred during the geological history of a preserved organism, as when a plant leaf becomes mineralized after its death.

A third category is the “living fossil”, when an organism is firstly known as fossil record and later discovered in living form.

Fossils are not rare in archaeological and geological sites, whatever the category. They are used for paleoenvironmental reconstructions, paleoclimatology, paleophysiology, and for phylogenetic purposes. Fossil shells and skeletons are also a source of inspiration to create new biomaterials.

Nevertheless, many questions remain regarding the factors that determine the formation, structure, and composition of both biogenic and diagenetic minerals. Consequently, this topical collection on the “Structure and Composition of Fossils” will feature recent advances and reviews related to research focusing on these mineral types.

Dr. Yannicke Dauphin
Dr. Jean-Pierre Cuif
Collection Editors

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