Abstract

Significance Whether coral skeleton crystals grow by attachment of ions from solution or particles from tissue determines ( i ) corals’ growth rate, ( ii ) how they survive acidifying oceans, and ( iii ) the isotopes in the crystals used for reconstructing ancient temperatures. Our data show that two amorphous precursors exist, one hydrated and one dehydrated amorphous calcium carbonate; that these are formed in the tissue as ∼400-nm particles; and that they attach to the surface of coral skeletons, remain amorphous for hours, and finally crystallize into aragonite. Since these particles are formed inside tissue, coral skeleton growth may be less susceptible to ocean acidification than previously assumed. Coral bleaching and postmortem dissolution of the skeleton will occur, but a calcification crisis may not.