The Deep-Sea Snail with an Iron Shell

The scaly-foot snail, found in extreme environments near hydrothermal vents, has developed a unique iron armor made of iron sulfide compounds like pyrite and greigite. This armor provides protection against predators and is formed by harnessing iron from the surrounding water. The snail's habitat in the Indian Ocean is threatened by mineral mining, leading to its classification as an endangered species. Understanding the snail's armor could inspire the development of strong materials for human use.

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