1.7" Polished Stromatolite (Collenia) - Minnesota

This is a 1.7" Stromatolite (Collenia) specimen from the Biwabik Iron Formation in Minnesota. The striking red color is a result of the overlying Hematite.

Stromatolites are the layered trace fossils of microbial life, primarily cyanobacteria. Some of them date back an astounding 3.4 billion years, making them the oldest record of life on Earth! Stromatolites and Microbialites were typically formed in shallow water by the growth of layer upon layer of cyanobacteria, a single-celled, photosynthesizing microbe. These layers often form very beautiful and colorful banded structures in the rock.

These oxygen-producing cyanobacteria were so simple they lacked a DNA-packaging nucleus, but were responsible for possibly the largest changes the earth has undergone. They were the only major source of atmospheric oxygen critical for the development of more complex life.
SOLD
DETAILS
SPECIES
Collenia undosa
LOCATION
Mary Ellen Mine, St. Louis County, Minnesota
FORMATION
Biwabik Iron Formation
SIZE
1.7 x 1.2"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#108579
GUARANTEE
We guarantee the authenticity of all of our
specimens. Read more about our
Authenticity Guarantee.