What is mineral accretion?
Mineral Accretion, or Biorock, is a new construction method that uses low voltage direct current electricity to grow solid limestone rock structures in the sea and accelerate coral growth. Originally invented by architect Wolf Hilbertz for construction purposes, it has been applied to coral reef restoration by Hilbertz and coral scientist Tom Goreau since 1988. They hold the patent on the process and are also the founders of Biorock Inc., which owns the Biorock trademark and has the exclusive worldwide commercial rights to the patent.
Mineral Accretion, or the Biorock process, is a new method that uses low voltage direct current electricity to grow solid limestone rock structures in the sea and accelerate the growth of corals providing homes for reef fish and protecting the shoreline. The electrical current causes minerals that are naturally dissolved in seawater to precipitate and adhere to a metal structure. The result is a composite of limestone and brucite with mechanical strength similar to concrete. Derived from seawater, this material is similar to the composition of natural coral reefs and tropical sand beaches. Invente d by architect Wolf Hilbertz for construction purposes, mineral accretion has been applied to coral reef restoration by Hilbertz and coral scientist, Tom Goreau. Mineral accretion structures can be built in any size or shape. This patented process increases the growth rate of corals well above normal, giving them extra energy that allows them to survive in conditions that would otherwise kill
