7.8" Polished, Paleoproterozoic Stromatolite (Pilbaria) - Australia

Polished, Paleoproterozoic Stromatolite (Pilbaria) - Australia #65501

This is a cut/polished slab of a Paleoproterozoic stromatolite (Pilbaria perplexa) from the Duck Creek Dolomite, which isn't far from the iron ore mining town of Paraburdoo in Western Australia. These deposits are from the Paleoproterozoic (2 billion years old) geological era. They are believed to have grown in a shallow marine lagoon environment, with rare periods of emergence.

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.