During our expedition to the Eye of the Sahara, we discovered a massive three-meter object in what we call “Plato’s Canal.” Its elongated, uniform shape suggested artificial origin, and the corroded surface resembled oxidized metal. To investigate further, we collected samples for laboratory study.

🔬 Elemental Analysis (SEM + EDS)

• Spectra 16 & 17: Fe 69% and 58% — far too high for any ordinary rock.

  Associated elements (Mn, Ti, P, Ca, S) are typical for slag, oxides, and corrosion layers.

  Almost no Si, Al, K — normally abundant in silicate minerals. This strongly argues against a natural stone.

• Spectrum 13: Fe 30% + Cl 14% + Na 15% → a clear signature of marine corrosion of iron.

  This composition is consistent with long-term oxidation of an iron object exposed to seawater.

• Spectra 14 & 15: Mixed oxides of Fe and O, with traces of Si, Al, Ca. Likely layers of secondary corrosion and deposition.
• Phosphorus (P ~0.17–0.18%): Rare in natural alloys, may indicate:
  • Ancient metallurgical practices (e.g., phosphoric cast iron),
  • Soil contamination or biological activity (phosphates),
  • Re-accumulation of phosphates during long-term weathering.

📷 Microstructural Imaging

SEM images show granular, porous surfaces with corrosion films, micro-fractures, and layered deposits — classic signs of metal degradation over centuries or millennia.

🌍 Interpretation

1. Not a natural rock: Extremely high Fe with absence of silicate matrix excludes a simple mineral origin.
2. Artificial metallic object: The evidence fits an ancient iron or steel element that has undergone marine corrosion and desert weathering.
3. Possible maritime connection: Cl + Na signals strongly suggest long exposure to seawater, raising the hypothesis that this artifact was once part of a marine structure or transported through ancient oceans.

❓ Open Questions

• Was this artifact part of infrastructure (pillar, beam, anchor, tool) of an ancient civilization?
• Could it be linked to advanced metallurgical activity in North Africa thousands of years ago?
• Or is it evidence of forgotten seafaring cultures that left traces near the Eye of the Sahara?

👉 Further isotopic studies, metallographic cuts, and comparative analysis with ancient slags and tools are needed.
But already this discovery strengthens the case that the Richat Structure region holds secrets of a sophisticated past.