Plastistones, a new type of sedimentary rock composed of plastic and rock, have been discovered on five continents and in 11 countries. Formed when molten plastic cools within a mineral matrix, these rocks could pose a significant threat to ocean ecology, as marine species may mistake the plastic for food. The ubiquity of plastics has led to their integration into Earth’s geology, prompting experts to propose the formal recognition of plastistones as a new kind of sedimentary rock.
