Fig Tree Chert Stromatolite South Africa

Ancient Stromatolite Fig Tree Formation Barberton

Could stromatolites, like this Fig Tree Chert from Barberton, South Africa, resemble the ancient life we may one day discover on Mars? Something like the stromatolites, the ancient microbial mats or even something earlier like the Apex chert, Middle Marker Chert, the Moodies Crinkles, and microfossils in Jaspilite from Nuvvuagittuq - are all possibilities. These rocks contain fossilized microorganisms dating back 3.1 billion years, including the bacterium Eobacterium isolatus and the algae-like Archaeosphaeroides barbertonensis.

Geological Significance

The Fig Tree Formation, part of the Barberton Greenstone Belt, preserves some of Earth's oldest known stromatolites. The Swaziland Supergroup includes well-preserved sedimentary and volcanic rocks, making it an outstanding archive of early life.

Formation & Fossil Structure

These stromatolites formed on komatiitic lava and were later covered by volcanic flows. The presence of tourmaline within the fossil layers suggests a formation environment dominated by hot-spring emissions and evaporitic brines. The oceans at that time were 40°C warmer than today.

Discovery of Ancient Amino Acids

In 1968, NASA and Harvard scientists discovered 19 amino acids in the Fig Tree Chert, supporting theories on the origin of life. This research demonstrated that early Earth conditions were suitable for spontaneous amino acid formation.

Product Details

• Size: 50mm H x 51mm W x 26mm D
• Weight: 108.7g
• Includes: Certificate of Authenticity, tag, tag stand and information about Fig Tree Chert stromatolites.
• Excludes: Stromatolite display stand and photo cube

Limited Availability

Own a very rare and significant stromatolite from Earth's evolutionary history!

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