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Coupon Code "SPRING-15-Off"

Expires: 4-15-24

Apex Chert Pilbara Australia [92811] 321 grams

Brand : Jensan Scientifics LLC

$29,995.00
SKU:
JPT-92811
Condition:
New
Availability:
Usually ships in 24 hours.
Weight:
1.00 LBS
Minimum Purchase:
1 unit
Maximum Purchase:
1 unit
Shipping:
Calculated at Checkout

This authentic specimen of Apex Chert is from the Pilbara, Western Australia. Apex chert was once the center of considerable controversy as scientists were uncertain that it actually contained life.

A scientific paper published in 2018 was based on a SIMS analysis of several specimens of Apex Chert. It revealed that 11 Archeal microbial fossils were present, two of them primitive photosynthesizers, two methane consumers, and one a methane producer. Indeed, the Archean "tree of life" was in motion ~3,465 Ma. The rRNA world and the biogenicity of the Apex fossils since the early days of such controversies have now been firmly established.

Interestingly, Apex chert filaments have the same types of shapes as some of the structures found in ALH 84001 (a meteorite found in Antarctica believed by some to contain actual life from Mars). There has been no definitive outcome on the "life" questions found in this meteorite. Still, it suggests that the structures in the meteorite could also include microfossil life from the Red Planet. Until we finally turn up evidence for the search for life on Mars (with missions that started over 20 years ago), the battle rages on.

Discoveries of the Apex Chert and other fantastic geological material continue to provide insight into what might be found on other planets - as life tries to establish itself and evolves. Scientists are now looking for molecular signatures in the atmospheres of exoplanets for possible insight into different types of life forms. It is an exhilarating time for these new frontiers in science!

Size: 93mm L X 75mm W X 46mm D, Weight: 321 grams.

This specimen of Apex Chert ships with a Certificate of Authenticity, tag, tag stand, and a copy of relevant scientific information about the SIMS microfossils found in Apex Chert. An in-situ photo is also included! The acrylic base and photo cube are not included.

This rock specimen came from the exact outcrop that was collected by Bonnie Packer and used by J. William Schopf in his analysis. This material is exceedingly scarce and only found in a few museums and private collections. It has been described and researched in scientific publications and textbooks for over 40 years.

This Apex Chert was legally collected.

Apex chert would make an incredible, pivotal addition to any outstanding geological collection. 

This scientific material is Guaranteed Authentic. It was professionally and legally collected and arrives with a Certificate of Authenticity.