Diatoms from a marine sample taken from mangroves alongside the Gulf of Thailand.

Diatoms are microscopic plankton found around the planet. These organisms are not only beautiful, but are responsible for converting—through photosynthesis—carbon dioxide into up to 50% of the oxygen we breathe.

Here is a selection of marine diatoms from mangroves alongside the Gulf of Thailand. An outer wall of silica—the frustule—often with intricate designs, surrounds golden chloroplasts.