Phase Transformations and Structural Developments in the Radular Teeth of <i>Cryptochiton Stelleri</i>

Abstract

Abstract During mineralization, the hard outer magnetite‐containing shell of the radular teeth of Cryptochiton stelleri undergoes four distinct stages of structural and phase transformations: (i) the formation of a crystalline α ‐chitin organic matrix that forms the structural framework of the non‐mineralized teeth, (ii) the templated synthesis of ferrihydrite crystal aggregates along these organic fibers, (iii) subsequent solid state phase transformation from ferrihydrite to magnetite, and (iv) progressive magnetite crystal growth to form continuous parallel rods within the mature teeth. The underlying α ‐chitin organic matrix appears to influence magnetite crystal aggregate density and the diameter and curvature of the resulting rods, both of which likely play critical roles in determining the local mechanical properties of the mature radular teeth.