This book investigates the crucial role of biomineralization in understanding life's evolution and Earth's history through the study of fossils. The author, Jean-Pierre Cuif, emphasizes skeletal formation and fossilization within a geological context to decipher evolutionary pathways, inter-group relationships, and the use of biomineral materials as proxies for ancient oceans and climates. The work focuses on the calcareous shells and skeletons of marine organisms, detailing their fine structures and crystalline growth patterns, enhanced by recent advancements in physical methodologies. This comprehensive approach aims to provide a deeper understanding of life's past and the environmental conditions it inhabited.

The book is presented as a valuable resource for advanced students and researchers across several scientific fields, including paleontology, Earth history, evolution, sedimentology, geochemistry, and materials science. Its emphasis on integrating knowledge of biomineralization with fossil data suggests a rigorous, data-driven approach to understanding evolutionary processes and past environmental conditions. The inclusion of recent physical methodological advances indicates a contemporary perspective on the subject matter. The rich illustration and focus on crystalline structures point to a visually informative and technically detailed exploration of the topic.