Biomineralization denotes the formation of inorganic solids (minerals) by cell activities of organisms. Biomineralization exists since the beginning of life on earth and underlies a continuous optimization process ever since. Natural biominerals such as bone or teeth represent a composite structure composed of a rigid inorganic part (hydroxyapatite) and flexible organics (collagen). The biomimetic system fluoroapatite-gelatine is perfectly suited for the study of biomimetic steps closely related to steps in osteo- and dentinogenesis. Although representing a relatively simple model, this biomimetic system still includes all aspects of complexity, such as metastability, self assembly, self-similarity, fractal growth, pattern formation, hierarchy, and others. Our work is focused on the morphogenesis and real structure of fluoroapatite-gelatine nanocomposites on all length scales. Furthermore, we study naturally grown and biomimetically synthesized ear stones (otoconia), which are functional materials in the inner ear for sensing balance. In a collaborative research project funded by the DFG, we investigate the nanostructure of healthy and osteoporotic bone as well as interactions of bone cements with bone tissue.