Fossilised animal - Lot of 3 stromatolites (No reserve price)

We are pleased to offer a remarkable lot of three natural stromatolite specimens, presented as true sculptures of nature and accompanied by custom metal display stands (included). ​Stromatolites are among the oldest known records of life on Earth. These fascinating structures are organo-sedimentary biological formations created by colonies of ancient microorganisms, primarily photosynthetic cyanobacteria. Over billions of years, their activity led to the gradual accretion of delicate, micro-layered mineral deposits. ​Formed during the earliest stages of our planet’s history, stromatolites date back as far as the Archean Eon, approximately 3.5 to 3.8 billion years ago. At that time, Earth was an extreme and primordial environment, characterized by intense volcanic activity, high temperatures, and chemically challenging conditions such as saline and alkaline waters—environments similar to modern extreme hydrothermal regions. ​This refined trio features complementary shapes, highlighting both sliced interior cross-sections with distinct concentric banding and natural, bulbous exterior textures. Beyond their aesthetic elegance as display pieces, these specimens hold profound scientific significance: the study of stromatolites has played a fundamental role in understanding the evolution of Earth's early atmosphere and oxygen production, and continues to guide astrobiologists in the search for ancient biosignatures on other planets, such as Mars.

Estimate:£168.63

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