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36.5" Spectacular Fossil Stromatolite (Collenia) Slab - Minnesota
This is a jaw dropping, 36.5" wide polished stromatolite (Collenia undosa) slab commonly referred to as Mary Ellen Jasper, collected from the Biwabik Iron Formation in Minnesota. The striking red color is a result of the overlying hematite impurities, interrupted by streaks/veins of pure lustrous hematite. The slab is just under an inch thick and weighs 77.7 lbs.
This piece came from a boulder which was excavated in 1992 (photos in set). Three large slabs were cut from its center. One of these slabs is on display at the Science Museum of Minnesota, the other is in the collection of the person who excavated the boulder and this is the third.
A solid wood backing has been applied to the back of the specimen for stability purposes, making the slab suitable for use as a table top or wall display. If wall display is what you're looking for, upon request, we can add wall mounting hardware at no additional cost. Be sure to include whether you would prefer vertical or horizontal display.
The boulder this slab was cut from being extracted in 1992. Only three large slabs exist, one on display at the Science Museum of Minnesota.
This piece came from a boulder which was excavated in 1992 (photos in set). Three large slabs were cut from its center. One of these slabs is on display at the Science Museum of Minnesota, the other is in the collection of the person who excavated the boulder and this is the third.
A solid wood backing has been applied to the back of the specimen for stability purposes, making the slab suitable for use as a table top or wall display. If wall display is what you're looking for, upon request, we can add wall mounting hardware at no additional cost. Be sure to include whether you would prefer vertical or horizontal display.
The boulder this slab was cut from being extracted in 1992. Only three large slabs exist, one on display at the Science Museum of Minnesota.
About Stromatolites
Stromatolites are fascinating, ancient rock formations created by the activity of cyanobacteria and other microorganisms. These layered, mound-like structures represent some of the earliest evidence of life on Earth, dating back over 3.5 billion years. Often found in shallow, warm waters, stromatolites form as layers of sediment and minerals are trapped and bound by microbial mats, gradually building up over time into unique, textured shapes.
Visually, stromatolites can range from smooth, rounded forms to intricate, banded structures, with colors that span earthy reds, browns, greens, and grays. Each layer captures a record of environmental conditions at the time of its formation, making stromatolites an invaluable source of information for scientists studying Earth’s early history and the origins of life.
Today, fossilized stromatolites are highly prized by collectors, both for their scientific significance and their natural beauty. Some living stromatolites can still be found in a few rare locations around the world, such as Shark Bay in Australia and certain alkaline lakes.
Stromatolites are fascinating, ancient rock formations created by the activity of cyanobacteria and other microorganisms. These layered, mound-like structures represent some of the earliest evidence of life on Earth, dating back over 3.5 billion years. Often found in shallow, warm waters, stromatolites form as layers of sediment and minerals are trapped and bound by microbial mats, gradually building up over time into unique, textured shapes.
Visually, stromatolites can range from smooth, rounded forms to intricate, banded structures, with colors that span earthy reds, browns, greens, and grays. Each layer captures a record of environmental conditions at the time of its formation, making stromatolites an invaluable source of information for scientists studying Earth’s early history and the origins of life.
Today, fossilized stromatolites are highly prized by collectors, both for their scientific significance and their natural beauty. Some living stromatolites can still be found in a few rare locations around the world, such as Shark Bay in Australia and certain alkaline lakes.
SPECIES
Collenia undosa
LOCATION
Mary Ellen Mine, St. Louis County, Minnesota
FORMATION
Biwabik Iron Formation
SIZE
Dimensions: 36.5 x 22.1", .9" thick, Weight: 77.7 lbs
CATEGORY
ITEM
#280015
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