Their shells have a layer of iron, and the frill parts you see are made of iron sulfide! So, basically, these snails are decked out in a suit of armor! Their shells also have pyrite (aka fool’s gold) which has magnetic properties too.
So, that means you need to be sure to keep them away from any and all electronic devices! The snails have picked up all the metals from the undersea vents in their underwater habitat.
It may also surprise you to know that the scaly-foot gastropod may soon help the United States win wars! Or at least help protect soldiers that are heading into battle.
The United States military is trying to figure out how to develop body armor for soldiers that are just like the shells of these tiny creatures! The snails were first discovered back in 2001 living 1.25 miles under the Indian Ocean.
Share away, people!
