Transformation of Amorphous Calcium Phosphate to Crystalline Dahllite in the Radular Teeth of Chitons

Abstract

A comparison of infrared spectra from individual teeth along the radula of a chiton (Polyplacophora, Mollusca) shows that the first-formed calcium phosphate mineral is amorphous. Over a period of weeks the mineral transforms to dahllite. The c axes of the dahllite crystals are aligned approximately perpendicular to the tooth surface.