Dr. Rina Fu, joined Bec and Asa to discuss seashell formation and the science behind it.
“Shells are made of a hard mineral material called calcium carbonate. So the chemical formula is that CA for calcium. Carbonate, it’s CO3,” she began.
Teeth, Bones and Rocks
Dr. Rina explained that this same element is found in our teeth bones and in hard substances of rocks. She also detailed the process of shell formation through small soft bodied animals that are looking for a home.
“The specific term is a mollusk. A continuous process for these animals such as clams and oysters. There are some with bivalves, which are little hinges that attach to hard shells.”
Spiral Shells
“The really pretty ones that come in different colours have mollusks in them as well. These creatures secrete and absorb the calcium and minerals that they need,” said Rina.
“They have a mental layer in the soft body and this secretes these little things to build layers upon layers of the hardened shell,” she continued.
The Shell Builders
“The mollusks are actually the shell builders,” she said. “Hermit crabs, on the other hand, are the shell stealers. They go into empty, discarded ones.”
The Vinegar Experiment
Dr. Rina conducted an experiment with the Drive team where she put her seashells in vinegar and marked the time of day. Over a couple of days, they tend to break down and change because of the acidity, and it causes erosion.
Check out the full chat with Dr. Rina Fu below.