Isua Banded Iron Formation Greenland [92175]

Scientists have studied the Isua Greenstone Banded Iron Formation because the region contains evidence of the oldest, best-preserved ancient plate tectonic sequences on Earth. Within it are some areas that have experienced relatively low deformation and alteration to the original rock sequences since the formation of our planet. This region is a geologist's paradise for early "snapshots" of the Earth.

The Isua Greenstone Belt holds a treasure trove of metamorphosed volcanic and sedimentary rocks. In a groundbreaking discovery in 2016, scientists believe they found potential evidence of life in the evidence for life in the form of small carbon blobs that have the carbon isotopic compositions of living materials, but this is still hotly debated. Skepticism arises as some features can also be explained by geological processes and deformation. There is a very thin line between the biogenic and abiogenic world, and therein lies the problem. Nonetheless, the evolution of life in a Hadean environment continues to captivate researchers, and the search continues as we challenge the boundaries of our understanding of evolutionary mechanisms, pathways, and chemical processes.

Scientists still hope to find life on Earth, which began over 4 billion years ago, but early Earth was a harsh environment. Hadean Earth's surface conditions would make life challenging to develop due to early heavy asteroid bombardment. Scientists struggle with various lingering features in rocks that are open to interpretation and could result from geological processes and deformation rather than life's beginning.

Specimen size: 35mm H X 24mm W X 20mm D. Weight: 23.9 grams. The photos are of the front and side. 

Ships in a perky protective case with tag, tag stand and Certificate of Authenticity. Acrylic stand and photographic cube not included. A few minor "stromatolitic looking" features can be discerned at 60X magnification on the thin side.

Legally obtained in a materials trade with a scientific institution.

This is a great specimen that serves as a geological marker in Earth's early history.

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