Biocrystallization of quartz and calcium phosphates in plants — a re-examination of the evidence

Abstract

The evidence advanced by McManus et al. (Aust. J. Agric. Res., 1979, 30, 635-49) in support of their hypothesis that quartz, apatite and whitlockite crystallize in growing plants has been re-examined and tested by further experimentation. It seems probable that quartz in plants is an airborne contaminant and that apatite and whitlockite crystallize during ashing. There are therefore no grounds for believing that these compounds form by biocrystallization.