830-million-year-old microorganisms in primary fluid inclusions in halite

Abstract Primary fluid inclusions in bedded halite from the 830-m.y.-old Browne Formation of central Australia contain organic solids and liquids, as documented with transmitted light ultraviolet–visible (UV-vis) petrography. These objects are consistent size, shape, fluorescent response cells prokaryotes eukaryotes compounds. This discovery shows that microorganisms saline depositional environments can remain well preserved for hundreds millions years be detected situ optical methods alone. study has implications search life both terrestrial extraterrestrial chemical sedimentary rocks.