Unlocking the Secrets of Coral: Coral Mineralogy

(An audio described version of this video is coming soon.)

Corals make up coral reef ecosystems, vital habitats that support countless marine life. Stony corals are the foundation of these ecosystems because of their coral mineral skeletons that are made up of the mineral aragonite, a form of calcium carbonate. Join us as we hear from Smithsonian researcher Dr. Gabriela Farfan on how she uses the National Coral Collection to study coral mineral skeletons. Dr. Farfan shows us the specimens she works with and how she can study coral mineral skeletons in the lab to see their atomic crystal structures. Understanding coral skeletons and how they are formed is an example of basic or fundamental science, which can help us learn how to help corals as they face unprecedented challenges from climate and anthropogenic change.

• Watch this video in Spanish. Mira este video en español.
• Video: Unlocking the Secrets of Coral: Inside the National Coral Collection
• 3D Coral Collection: Learn about Corals with 3D Models
• Article: Life on Planet Ocean