8.7" Polished "Desert Sunset" Banded Iron Slab - Western Australia

This is a vibrant, 8.7" wide slab of "Desert Sunset" banded iron from Western Australia. It has been cut and polished to a glossy-finish and is accompanied by an acrylic display stand for presentation.

About Desert Sunset

This striking stone known as Desert Sunset is a banded iron formation (BIF) originating from ancient deposits in Australia. These stones are composed primarily of alternating layers of iron oxides (hematite and magnetite) and chert or jasper, which give them their characteristic banded appearance. The rich, warm tones of rusty reds, vibrant oranges, and dark greys reflect the sunset hues of the desert, earning it its poetic name.

Banded Iron Formations (BIFs) are among the oldest rocks on Earth, with origins dating back over 2 billion years to the Precambrian era. These formations are significant not only for their beauty but also for their historical and geological importance, as they were formed in Earth's early oceans when oxygen levels began to rise, leading to the precipitation of iron. This process helped pave the way for the more oxygen-rich atmosphere we rely on today.
FOR SALE
$115
DETAILS
SPECIES
Chalcedony var. Jasper, Chalcedony var. Chert & Hematite
LOCATION
Fields Find, Midwest Region, Western Australia
SIZE
8.7 x 5.5", .6" thick
CATEGORY
ITEM
#234782