Summary:
- The article discusses the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) to study the hydration layer on the surface of calcite, a common mineral found in rocks and seashells.
- Researchers have long debated the existence and properties of this hydration layer, which plays a crucial role in the dissolution and precipitation of calcite in natural environments.
- The study confirms the presence of a stable, structured hydration layer on the calcite surface, providing new insights into the fundamental processes governing the interaction between water and minerals.