Scientists analyzed halite samples from 830 million years ago using optical techniques. Inside the samples, they found microorganisms such as bacteria, algae and fungi that may still be alive.

TINY DROPS of fluid preserved within crystals of rock salt that formed some 830 million years ago have been found to contain microorganisms - and they may still be alive.

Ancient microorganisms found in halite may have implications for search for life Date: May 11, 2022 Source: Geological Society of America Summary: Primary fluid inclusions in bedded halite from ...

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Fluid inclusions in halite with microorganisms. (Image credit: Courtesy Sara Schreder-Gomes) Salt crystals from Central Australia hold ancient microorganisms that became trapped 830 million years ...

The geological time scale is vast and long. Rocks and minerals often take millions of years to form. This week's episode of Mineral Monday, however, looks at a mineral that moves much faster than that ...

Boulder, Colo., USA: Primary fluid inclusions in bedded halite from the 830-million-year-old Browne Formation of central Australia contain organic solids and liquids, as documented with ...

The salt crystals (aka halite) that Benison and her team studied were originally found in central Australia. Benison was part of the team that published these findings in the journal Geology.