Coral reefs are made primarily of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), which is secreted by tiny marine animals called coral polyps. These polyps extract calcium and carbonate ions from seawater to build their hard, protective skeletons. Over time, as polyps die and new ones grow on top, they form massive reef structures.Reefs also include other organisms like coralline algae, which help cement the reef together, and various marine species that contribute to the reef’s structure through their biological activities.