A rock approximately 3.497 billion years old, which provided scientists with signs of the origin of life on Earth, was found in the Singhbhum region of Jharkhand state. Small black bands and traces of carbon were discovered in this rock. Scientists believe these traces may be related to very ancient microorganisms.
The age of this rock was determined by scientists from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in collaboration with other researchers. The results of this study were published in the journal PNAS. The age of the rock, which is approximately 3.5 billion years, is particularly significant. If it is proven that the discovered traces were indeed formed by ancient microorganisms, it could be among the earliest directly confirmed evidence of life on Earth, helping to understand when and how life began on the planet.
Scientists found very thin black bands containing carbon in the rock. After analysis, researchers hypothesized that these traces might be part of a microbial mat—a layer formed by the accumulation of numerous small organisms in one place. The different forms of carbon in the rock were also studied to determine whether they were formed as a result of biological processes or for some other reason.
The age of the rock was established at 3.497 billion years. To determine the age, scientists examined minute zircon mineral particles present in the rock. Using various forms of uranium and lead contained in these particles, the age of the rock was calculated. Thus, the age was established not just visually, but through scientific testing.
Currently, this is not considered the oldest direct evidence of life on Earth. Scientists view it as one of the most probable early signs of life. If further research confirms that the black bands and carbon in the rock were formed by ancient microorganisms, this discovery will be extremely significant, as it will indicate that life existed on Earth 3.5 billion years ago.
Approximately 3.5 billion years ago, the Earth was vastly different from today. Humans, plants, and animals did not exist at that time. Scientists suggest that early life forms may have existed either in oceans or near volcanic zones. This rock from Singhbhum could provide information about that ancient era, helping to understand when life began on Earth and what the environmental conditions were at the time. Nevertheless, additional verification is necessary before the discovered signs can be considered conclusive proof of life.