Newly discovered iron minerals might hold primordial water from when Earth formed
Researchers have identified iron oxyhydroxide minerals that remain stable at the extreme pressures of Earth's core-mantle boundary. These minerals are capable of storing significant amounts of water, potentially explaining how water is transported and stored deep within the planet.
Why it matters
This discovery provides a missing link in understanding Earth's internal water cycle, volcanic activity, and the geological evolution of rocky planets.
Researchers may have found a missing link in how Earth's mantle gets wet: newly discovered iron minerals that can store water at the extremely high temperatures and pressures present near our planet's core.
By Damien Pine Edited by Brandon Specktor , Laura Mondrag n Published 29 September 2026 In News When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works .
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