The graphite inside this ruby is really unique. It's the first time we've seen evidence of ancient life in ruby-bearing rocks. Chris Yakymchuk More Quotes by Chris Yakymchuk More Quotes From Chris Yakymchuk Living matter preferentially consists of the lighter carbon atoms because they take less energy to incorporate into cells, based on the increased amount of carbon-12 in this graphite, we concluded that the carbon atoms were once ancient life, most likely dead microorganisms such as cyanobacteria. Chris Yakymchuk The presence of graphite also gives us more clues to determine how rubies formed at this location, something that is impossible to do directly based on a ruby's colour and chemical composition. Chris Yakymchuk
