Meteorite Spherule Bed Barberton [57 gm ~ 3.5 Ga]

Rare Meteorite Impact Spherule Bed from Barberton South Africa

This exceptional meteorite impact spherule bed specimen, estimated to be around 3.5 billion years old, originates from Barberton, South Africa. It features a prominent spherule embedded on the back, making it a top-notch addition to any collection.

Historical Significance

Identified by Lowe and Byerley about 25 years ago, this material comes from impact spherule bed two. It represents one of the oldest lines of evidence for colossal impacts in the Archean oceans, which existed in the Barberton region around 3.5 billion years ago.

Geological Importance

The Barberton Greenstone Belt in South Africa is one of Earth's most diverse and oldest geological records. It contains the oldest terrestrial microbial mats, the oldest sedimentary rock in Africa, and approximately 17 spherule intersection layers caused by Archean impacts dating back to 3.5 - 3.2 billion years ago.

Impact Evidence

Although no known craters from the Archean have been discovered, scientists believe many existed, similar to the Moon's impact record. The oldest impact structure on Earth is the Yarrabubba impact structure in Western Australia, about 2.2 billion years old.

Spherule Bed Composition

Spherule beds consist of small impact glass spherules in a mixed matrix of rock fragments. Meteoritic component values found in spherule beds suggest a series of chondritic meteorite impacts caused these layers. Currently, only the Barberton Greenstone Belt, Kaapvaal Craton in South Africa, and the Pilbara Block in Western Australia have records of Archean impact spherule beds.

Formation and Alteration

These spherule beds contain glassy and crystalline particles that experienced varying degrees of mixing back into the sedimentary rock after the initial impact. Earth processes, including wave action and tsunamis, shaped these beds into their current conditions. Their origin and chemical analysis confirm they came from melt ejecta from impact-related rock vapor clouds.

Chert Dikes

Chert dikes are geological formations where chert, a hard, fine-grained sedimentary rock composed of microcrystalline quartz, fills cracks and fractures in other rock layers. These dikes can extend vertically or horizontally and are often associated with hydrothermal activity. In the context of spherule beds, chert dikes can contain a mix of seafloor materials and barite, providing evidence of ancient geological processes and impact events.

Spherule Bed (S2)

Spherule bed two (S2), the source of this material, shows evidence of an impact within chert dikes, containing a mix of seafloor materials and barite. It also features significant iridium anomalies and extraterrestrial chromium components, similar to other spherule beds. The S2 material originates from the Fig Tree Group, Mapepe Formation.

Specimen Details

• Size: 72mm L x 62mm W x 7mm D
• Weight: 57.5 grams
• What is Included:  ships with a Certificate of Authenticity, information about the specimen, tag, tag stand, and in situ photos. Please note that the display base and photo cube are not included. The front and back have a light coating of water used for the photos. No repairs.
• Legality: This material was legally collected and obtained through a materials trade with a scientific institution.

Rare Archean Spherule Bed

Add this exemplary specimen to your diverse meteorite collection today. Own this ultra-rare impact spherule bed material that contains evidence of Earth's bombardment from the Archean Eon!

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