K-Pg Boundary Iridium Hill Montana [15948]

K-Pg Boundary Extinction Rock Iridium Hill Montana

Explore one of Earth’s most significant geological sites with this rare K-Pg boundary specimen from Iridium Hill, Montana. The K-Pg boundary, marking the transition between the Cretaceous and Paleogene periods, is a geological signature of a cataclysmic event that occurred approximately 66 million years ago. This event is famously linked to the mass extinction that wiped out 75% of Earth’s plant and animal species, including the non-avian dinosaurs.

Key Features

• Iridium-Rich Layer: This specimen contains elevated levels of iridium, a rare element on Earth but common in asteroids and comets. The discovery of iridium spikes at various K-Pg boundary sites was pivotal in identifying the impact event.
• Historical Significance: The K-Pg boundary was first linked to the Chicxulub impact event by scientists Walter and Luis Alvarez. Their groundbreaking research began in Gubbio, Italy, where they discovered a layer of clay devoid of fossils, sandwiched between layers rich in foraminifera.
• Geological Mystery: The Alvarez hypothesis, supported by evidence from drill cores in the Yucatan region, revealed a massive disturbance in geological layers, pointing to an asteroid impact approximately 6 miles in diameter.
• Scientific Tools: The study of the K-Pg boundary involves various geological tools, including planar deformation features (PDFs), tektites, shocked minerals, and drill cores, which help piece together Earth’s dynamic history.

Product Details

• Specimen Size: 23mm x 14mm x 12mm
• Weight: 3.97 grams
• Origin: Collected at the K-Pg boundary, Iridium Hill, Montana
• Certification: Ships with a Certificate of Authenticity, tag, tag stand, and information about the K-Pg boundary and the extinction.
• Condition: No repairs, can be fragile
• Provenance: Obtained from a scientific institution

Rare Specimen for Mass Extinction Rock Collections

This exceedingly rare material is a must-have for any geological collection. Only a few left!