A thin slice of ejecta deposited on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, around 60 million years ago has recently sparked curiosity among geologists from Birkbeck, University of London. The remote island, known for its stunning landscapes, has now revealed rare minerals that have never before been found on Earth.
In a study published in the journal GeoScienceWorld on December 12, the team of researchers uncovered a 3.3-foot-thick layer at the base of a 60-million-year-old lava flow deposit containing vanadium-rich and niobium-rich osbornite. These minerals, previously only found in samples from space on comet 81P/Wild 2, were a surprising discovery for the team.
“When we discovered what it was we were very surprised, and it was a bit of a shock because we were not expecting that,” said study co-author Andy Beard from Birkbeck, University of London.
The unmelted osbornite suggests that it was likely an original piece of the meteorite, raising questions about the impact site and the volcanic activity in the region. The researchers also found similar mineralogy at a second site nearby, indicating a significant event that took place in the area.
Lead author Simon Drake described the challenging conditions of the site, saying, “We were sinking in up to our thighs. I distinctly recall saying to Andy Beard, ‘this had better be worth it.’ It was worth it.”
This discovery paves the way for further exploration and understanding of the unique geological history of the Isle of Skye, Scotland.
