Martian Fossils or Chemical Reactions?

With the Perseverance Mars rover, NASA is searching for something incredible: microscopic fossils. The rover is currently trawling through the sediment of the Jezero Crater, which scientists believe may have once been a river delta. However, new research warns that identifying these fossils may be set back by false positives.
The shapes of fossils are not unique to fossils alone; there are non biotic processes that can create similar looking structures. These pseudo-fossils, or "biomorphs," can resemble impressions left behind by ancient creatures, like algae or bacteria. If the rover does find anything interesting, the geologists at NASA will have their work cut out for them making sure they're really organic fossils!
You can learn more about biomorphs here and if you're interested in some real microscopic fossils, check out our collection of stromatolites!
Featured Product
Roman Arrowhead - Pocket Specimen
Cool Things!

Scientists Film a Colossal Squid in its Natural Habitat!
One hundred years after its discovery, scientists have captured the elusive colossal squid on film in its natural habitat. The juvenile squid was found around 2,000 feet below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean near the South Sandwich Islands. Measuring about one foot long, it drifts through the sea with translucent skin, pearly eyes and colorful tentacles.

Archaeologists Discover Tomb of an Unknown Pharaoh!

Did Scientists Resurrect a Dire Wolf or Just Create Colossal Hype?
Specimen Deep Dives

Returning to the Moon: The Apollo 14 Mission

The Secrets of the Space Shuttle: Learn about Mini Museum's Shuttle Tile Material!

Gondwana: When the Earth Was One
Long Form Articles

Is It Legal To Own a Meteorite: How to Start Your Outer Space Collection!
Meteorites are some of the rarest geological specimens to be found on Earth. Of course, since these stones are not of our world, purchasing them can sometimes be a confusing process. Is it legal to own a meteorite? In short, yes! Read on for help starting your cosmic collection!

Is It Legal To Own a Dinosaur Fossil? How to start your Dinosaur Collection!
So you want to start fossil collecting!? Amateur paleontology is a fascinating and fun hobby that can even nab you an award! Dinosaur bones are some of the most sought-after specimens in the world, so you may be wondering, is it even legal to own a dinosaur bone? In short, yes! Read on for more help starting your fossil collection!

Top 10 Most Incredible Dinosaur Fossils Ever Discovered!
Dinosaur fossils have captured the popular imagination for decades. The giant, bizarre creatures that traversed the Earth far before the dawn of human civilization are the subject of countless exhibits, movies, books and television shows. Here is a countdown of 10 of the most significant and incredible fossils ever discovered!