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Prokaryotic and algal organisms have been discovered encased in halite (rock salt) tentatively dated to 830 million years ago. Even more interesting - the researchers suggest some of these entombed organisms may still be "alive" (viable).
FULL STORY: https://www.sciencealert.com/830-million-year-old-microorganisms-found-trapped-in-australian-rockPotentially Alive 830-Million-Year-Old Organisms Found Trapped in Ancient Rock
A team of geologists has just discovered tiny remnants of prokaryotic and algal life – trapped inside crystals of halite dating back to 830 million years ago.
Halite is sodium chloride, also known as rock salt, and the discovery suggests that this natural mineral could be a previously untapped resource for studying ancient saltwater environments.
Moreover, the organisms trapped therein may still be alive.
The extraordinary study also has implications for the search for ancient life, not just on Earth, but in extraterrestrial environments, such as Mars, where large salt deposits have been identified as evidence of ancient, large-scale liquid water reservoirs. ...