Description
We have been collecting and researching these ancient specimens from the Iron Range since the 1970s. Once called cryptozoans (due to the strange nature of their occurrence), stromatolites are the oldest fossils known. They are aquatic (mostly marine) colonial living structures built by photosynthesizing bacteria. Stromatolites formed the first biologic reefs in the oceans and are largely responsible for creating the first oxygen atmosphere on Earth. As a result they also indirectly concentrated all the most important iron ore deposits. These simple prokaryotes were the dominant life form on our planet for over 3 billion years. Today they are nearly extinct but still hang on it certain locations like Shark Bay, Australia. We still collect these from the various Iron Ranges in Minnesota. Very large slabs up to 3′ x 4′ are available by Special Order and start at $1,000 per square foot. Cut boulders are also available on rare occasion.
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NOTE: Beautiful deep red agatization in these colonies attest to the classic origin of this specimen as being from the old Mary Ellen Mine in Biwabik, Minnesota, the type locality for the Biwabik Iron Formation. The mine shut down over 50 years ago. Notice the off-set angle of the growth pattern in this piece. This is attributed to constant water currents in the area where these colonies were growing. *This specimen comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and Origin
SIZE: 4″ x 7″ x .3″
Name: Collenia undosa
Unit: Biwabik Iron Formation
Site: Biwabik Iron Range, Minnesota