Final answer:
The mineral essential for blood coagulation is calcium, specifically the calcium ions (Ca2+), which are crucial for activating clotting factors in the blood coagulation process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mineral essential for blood coagulation is calcium. Calcium ions (Ca2+), referred to as factor IV, play a critical role in the complex cascade of blood clotting. They are involved in various steps of the coagulation pathways, including the activation of clotting factors that are secreted by the liver and platelets. For these processes, the liver also requires fat-soluble vitamin K, which is essential for the production of prothrombin, a precursor to thrombin, one of the enzymes needed for the blood to clot. Vitamin K is not just acquired through the diet but is also synthesized by gut bacteria. Without adequate calcium and vitamin K, blood clotting mechanisms can be significantly impaired.