One classic definition of life is "a self-replicating molecular assemblage." however, clay particles (in clay soil) contain layered aluminum and iron compounds that determine the pattern of the adjacent layers of sediment. this is technically a self-replicating molecular assemblage.

While it is true that the aluminum and iron compounds in the clay determine the patterns of adjacent layers of sediment, and that this is technically a self-replication molecular assemblage, this is still not considered life. The reason being is because this is a simple repetitive chemical process and this reaction does not have the ability to evolve or adapt to its surrounding environment. The chemical reactions will simply continue as they are and will not change before their current capabilities.

Order of filling levels and sublevels of electrons: 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶4s²3d¹⁰4p⁶5s²4d¹⁰5p⁶6s²3f¹⁴5d¹⁰6p⁶for an element with 5 electrons in the 3d energy level: full configuration: 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p³.