Vital effects can be defined as biological processes overriding environmental signals, as recorded in geochemical signatures in biominerals. The nature and influence of these vital effects are poorly understood, particularly related to biogenic mineral formation. The aim of this review article is to highlight the complexity of the study of vital effects in the context of biomineralization. Improving our knowledge of vital effects will greatly contribute to a better interpretation of biogeochemical proxies for paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic reconstructions, and the fundamental understanding of biomineralization itself.