Paleoproterozoic Black Smoker Drill Core

Description: This metasediment (sediment that has undergone metamorphism) comes from a strip mine in Wisconsin that involved paleoproterozoic deep sea black smokers. First discovered nearly 40 years ago on the East Pacific Rise, they have subsequently been found in the Atlantic as well, and are deepwater features in waters of some 2100-5000 meters. They are the result of hydrothermal vents and contain dissolved metals in the form of sulfides extracted at high temperatures. Cooling of the superheated fluid results in the typical dark cloud which is the source of the name. These hydrothermal vents are home to chemosynthetic bacteria and archaea that form the base of a food chain that supports tube worms, shrimp, and others.

While those in the deep sea would be difficult to mine, there are numerous examples of ancient deposits on land such as the Mount Isa orebody in Australia that are commercially viable. The strip mine that was the source of this specimen has long since closed, and the land has been reclaimed. Other than a few scientists, no one was allowed to collect material. We are fortunate that one of our associates was able to obtain samples of the rough core samples for polishing.
The specimen has been hand-polished to a glassine finish with fine carbide and diamond abrasive, a very labor-intensive job. It has a flat bottom for self-display in a specimen cabinet or desk. 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.