Squyres said this silicon forms near natural hot water sources or volcanic outlets, which give off natural gas. On Earth, living microbes are always found in such situations.

• 史凯尔表示，这种矽矿主要在靠近天然温热水源区或火山喷口处，这些地方都会冒出天然气。在地球，上述地区一定会发现微生物。