7.3" Polished Strelley Pool Stromatolite - 3.43 Billion Years Old

Polished Strelley Pool Stromatolite - Billion Years Old #150687

This is an interesting, 7.3" wide polished section of a Strelley Pool Stromatolite. The Strelley Pool Stromatolites from Western Australia are an astounding 3.43 billion years old, making them the oldest known fossilized life on planet earth. It comes with an acrylic display stand.

There has been claims that the 30 million year older Apex Chert contained older trace fossils, but in 2015 further studies concluded that these "trace fossils" were in fact created by minerals forming in hydrothermal systems.

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.

Please note: Australia has export laws governing the export of all fossils. These specimens were exported legally with appropriate permits.