SEM, EBSD, laser confocal microscopy and FE-SEM data from modern Glycymeris shell layers.

Area of Science:

• Geology
• Paleontology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Bivalve shells exhibit complex microstructures crucial for their mechanical properties and fossil record.
• Understanding aragonite crystallite orientation in modern shells provides a baseline for paleoenvironmental studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present detailed data on the microstructure and texture of aragonite crystallites in various layers of modern Glycymeris shells.
• To analyze crystallite orientation patterns and their transitions between shell layers.
• To establish a reference dataset for Glycymeris shells to aid in the interpretation of fossil analogs.

Main Methods:

• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for microstructural identification.
• Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) for crystallographic texture analysis.
• Laser confocal microscopy and Field Emission SEM (FE-SEM) for detailed imaging and organic matrix visualization.

Main Results:

• Comprehensive dataset on aragonite crystallite orientation in crossed-lamellar, fibrous prismatic, and myostracal shell layers.
• Characterization of texture at layer transitions, highlighting similarities and differences.
• Visualization of organic matrix distribution within the outer crossed-lamellar layer.

Conclusions:

• The provided data serve as a modern reference for assessing diagenetic alteration in fossil Glycymeris shells.
• This research enhances comprehension of the mechanisms underlying bivalve shell biomineralization and structural development.