A Mineral World

Minerals are indispensable components of our daily lives, sought after for their importance in natural and industrial processes, as well as their aesthetic appeal. There have long been established theories on mineral formation mechanisms, but many questions remain unanswered, and evidence suggests that our traditional view of crystallization is too simplistic. In recent decades, there has been a renaissance in this field, with new studies shedding light on the underlying physical processes. This introductory chapter aims to provide readers with a concise overview of the intricate world of mineral crystallization and its relevance in various research fields, including biomineralization, geochemistry, and industrial applications.