7.7" Polished Stromatolite From Russia - 950 Million Years

This is a polished slab of Neoproterozoic stromatolites (Inzeria tjomusi) from the Inzer River, Bashkortostan Region, Russia. These precambrian stromatolites are 850 and 950 million years old. This specimen has been cut flat on both sides and polished to a glossy-finish on one.

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.
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DETAILS
SPECIES
Inzeria tjomusi
LOCATION
Inzer River, Assy Village, Bashkortostan, Russia
FORMATION
Katavskaya Formation, Kratau Group
SIZE
7.7 x 6.2"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#180147
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