Archaean Stromatolites from Wyoming

Description: Archaean stromatolites are hard to come by, especially those retaining banded laminate structure as seen here. The marginal marine environments of Earth almost certainly contained prodigious stromatolites during the Arachaean. In fact, some theories hold that stromatolites actually peaked on Earth in the Lower Proterozoic, and steeply declined beginning by the Middle Proterozoic. However, either little of it is exposed, or what is exposed is in desolate locations. Clearly much has been ground up into sediment, otherwise distorted and perhaps subsumed into the Earth's mantle.

This beautiful specimen has ostensibly escaped much of the Earth's ravaging forces for some 2,600,000,000 years. Note the distinct wavy to subdomal form genera (laminae) made vivid and colorful on the hand-polished side. The reverse side has been left natural, demonstrating the way polishing enhances the beauty of this fine piece.

Stromatolites have persisted to the modern day in such places as Shark Bay, Australia where they continue their billions of years old lifestyle. While this piece would make a fine present for any natural history buff, anyone who appreciates art would also be glad to get thus wonderful specimen as a gift.