This Specimen has been sold.
5.6" Polished Proterozoic Stromatolite (Yelma) Slab - Australia
This is a 5.6" wide, polished slab of stromatolite (Yelma digitata) fossils from the Yelma Formation in Wiluna, Western Australia. These stromatolites are Proterozoic in age, or approximately 1.7 billion years old. The environment in which these small digitates grew is believed to have been brackish marshes.
This specimen comes with an acrylic display stand.
This specimen comes with an acrylic display stand.
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
Yelma digitata
LOCATION
Wiluna,, Western Australia
FORMATION
Yelma Formation
SIZE
5.6 x 3.5", .25" thick
CATEGORY
ITEM
#239986
We guarantee the authenticity of all of our specimens.