Mica could have formed the template life

Mica, a layered mineral with unusual properties could have helped form the template for organic molecules to come together for the formation of life says Helen Hansma of the University of California, Santa Barbara. Mica could have sheltered molecules that were the begining of cells, allowing the non living organic chemcials to come together in ways that helped form life.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100806093104.htm