Connection between microbes and serpentinite? Serpentinite belongs to the serpentine group. This group of minerals are metamorphic minerals caused a special process called serpentinization.

Serpentinization created serpentinite on the Earth's deep sea floor. Serpentinite is paramagnetic which creates a magnetic field for the mineral.

While researching this unusual mineral scientists found microbes within its structure. After study scientists suggest that these microbes are the origins of life.

What is the connection  between the microbes and serpentinite?
The most common explanation for microbial activity in serpentinites is the exploitation of abiogentic hydrogen and methane formed during the serpentinisation process.

Quoting the abstract of a recent authoritative review:


  The process of serpentinization creates strongly reducing conditions and produces fluids that are highly enriched in molecular hydrogen and methane. Some microorganisms are able to exploit these compounds to gain metabolic energy and to generate biomass, leading to the development of biological communities based on chemical energy rather than photosynthesis. The abundance of chemical energy and favorable conditions for organic synthesis make serpentinites a strong candidate for the site of the origin of life on Earth, as well as a prime target in the search for life elsewhere in our Solar System.


From Serpentinites, Hydrogen, and Life (may be paywalled).

You might also find this review interesting: Serpentinization, Carbon, and Deep Life (should be free to access).

These two papers present the current thinking in this subject.