Rare North Pole Dome Stromatolite Slice - 3.49 Billion Years


This is a polished slice of a rare North Pole Dome Stromatolite from Western Australia. These stromatolites have recently been declared the oldest known stromatolites, dated to approximately 3.49 Billion Years, slightly older than the Strelley Pool Stromatolites. The specimen has been highly polished on one side. It is a highly detailed representation of early life and its chemical activity. Very little of this material has been collected and legally exported from Australia.

Stromatolites are the layered trace fossils of microbial life, primarily cyanobacteria. Some of them date back an astounding 3.4 billion years, making them the oldest record of life on Earth! Stromatolites and Microbialites were typically formed in shallow water by the growth of layer upon layer of cyanobacteria, a single-celled, photosynthesizing microbe. These layers often form very beautiful and colorful banded structures in the rock.

These oxygen-producing cyanobacteria were so simple they lacked a DNA-packaging nucleus, but were responsible for possibly the largest changes the earth has undergone. They were the only major source of atmospheric oxygen critical for the development of more complex life.


Please note:Australia has export laws governing the export of all fossils. These specimens were exported legally with appropriate permits.
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DETAILS
SPECIES
Microbial Mat
LOCATION
North Pole Done, Western Australia
FORMATION
Dresser Formation
SIZE
4.65x2.4", .3" thick
CATEGORY
ITEM
#39058
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