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This Specimen has been sold.
HERE ARE SOME OTHER SIMILAR FOSSILS FOR SALE
7.1" Polished Tiger Iron "Stromatolite" Bookends - 3.02 Billion Years
This is a gorgeous pair of bookends made from 3.02 billion year old Stromatolite collected from the Ord Ranges in Western Australia. Commonly referred to as Tiger Iron, it is a banded structure of Tigers Eye, Red Jasper, and Hematite. One theory is that tiger iron is a typical stromatolite that has undergone mineral replacement with iron oxide. Another is that the microbes formed the banded iron directly while the stromatolite was being formed. Either way it's gorgeous to look at and even more impressive when you consider that it's evidence of life on earth several billion years ago.
Each end varies slightly in size, with one measuring 7.1" tall, 5.5" wide and 1.7" thick while the other is 6.2" tall, 5.8" wide and 1.7" thick. Together these bookends weigh just under 12 lbs.
Each end varies slightly in size, with one measuring 7.1" tall, 5.5" wide and 1.7" thick while the other is 6.2" tall, 5.8" wide and 1.7" thick. Together these bookends weigh just under 12 lbs.
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
Tiger Iron
LOCATION
Ord Ranges, Western Australia
FORMATION
Cleaverville Formation
SIZE
7.1 x 5.5", up to 1.7" thick
CATEGORY
ITEM
#129429
