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Abiotic synthesis of graphitic carbons in the Eoarchean Saglek-Hebron metasedimentary rocks

Author

Listed:
  • Zixiao Guo

    (Hebei Normal University
    University College London)

  • Dominic Papineau

    (University College London
    University College London
    University College London
    China University of Geosciences (Wuhan))

  • Jonathan O’Neil

    (University of Ottawa)

  • Hanika Rizo

    (Carleton University)

  • Zhong-Qiang Chen

    (China University of Geosciences (Wuhan))

  • Xincheng Qiu

    (China University of Geosciences (Wuhan))

  • Zhenbing She

    (China University of Geosciences (Wuhan))

Abstract

Graphite in metasedimentary rocks of the Eoarchean Saglek-Hebron Gneiss Complex (Canada) is depleted in 13C and has been interpreted as one of the oldest traces of life on Earth. The variation in crystallinity of this oldest graphitic carbon could possibly confirm the effect of metamorphism on original biomass, but this is still unexplored. Here, we report specific mineral associations with graphitic carbons that also have a range of crystallinity in the Saglek-Hebron metasedimentary rocks. Petrographic, geochemical and spectroscopic analyses in the Saglek-Hebron banded iron formations suggest that poorly crystalline graphite is likely deposited from C-H-O fluids derived from thermal decomposition of syngenetic organic matter, which is preserved as crystalline graphite during prograde metamorphism. In comparison, in the Saglek-Hebron marble, disseminations of graphite co-occur with carbonate and magnetite disseminations, pointing to abiotic synthesis of graphitic carbons via decarbonation. Our results thus highlight that variably crystalline graphitic carbons in the Saglek-Hebron metasedimentary rocks are potential abiotic products on early Earth, which lay the groundwork for identifying the preservation of prebiotic organic matter through metamorphism on Earth and beyond.

Suggested Citation

  • Zixiao Guo & Dominic Papineau & Jonathan O’Neil & Hanika Rizo & Zhong-Qiang Chen & Xincheng Qiu & Zhenbing She, 2024. "Abiotic synthesis of graphitic carbons in the Eoarchean Saglek-Hebron metasedimentary rocks," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-50134-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50134-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Emmanuelle J. Javaux, 2019. "Challenges in evidencing the earliest traces of life," Nature, Nature, vol. 572(7770), pages 451-460, August.
    2. Mark A. van Zuilen & Aivo Lepland & Gustaf Arrhenius, 2002. "Erratum: Reassessing the evidence for the earliest traces of life," Nature, Nature, vol. 420(6912), pages 202-202, November.
    3. T. Hassenkam & M. P. Andersson & K. N. Dalby & D. M. A. Mackenzie & M. T. Rosing, 2017. "Elements of Eoarchean life trapped in mineral inclusions," Nature, Nature, vol. 548(7665), pages 78-81, August.
    4. Mark A. van Zuilen & Aivo Lepland & Gustaf Arrhenius, 2002. "Reassessing the evidence for the earliest traces of life," Nature, Nature, vol. 418(6898), pages 627-630, August.
    5. Jesse R. Zondervan & Robert G. Hilton & Mathieu Dellinger & Fiona J. Clubb & Tobias Roylands & Mateja Ogrič, 2023. "Rock organic carbon oxidation CO2 release offsets silicate weathering sink," Nature, Nature, vol. 623(7986), pages 329-333, November.
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