Middle Marker Chert Oldest Sedimentary Unit [219 gm~3.47 Ga]
Brand : Jensan Scientifics LLC
$695.00
- SKU:
- JPT-17885
- Condition:
- New
- Availability:
- Usually ships in 24 hours.
- Weight:
- 1.00 LBS
- Minimum Purchase:
- 1 unit
- Maximum Purchase:
- 1 unit
- Gift wrapping:
- Options available
- Shipping:
- Calculated at Checkout
![Middle Marker black chert [17885] facing front from the Hooggenoeg Formation Onverwacht Group Barberton Greenstone belt.](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-ijipkdz2cc/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/345/1607/Middle-marker-chert-Barberton-17885-main__67367.1696190367.jpg?c=1 "Middle Marker black chert [17885] facing front from the Hooggenoeg Formation Onverwacht Group Barberton Greenstone belt.")
![Middle Marker black chert [17885] facing front from the Hooggenoeg Formation Onverwacht Group Barberton Greenstone belt.](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-ijipkdz2cc/images/stencil/100x100/products/345/1607/Middle-marker-chert-Barberton-17885-main__67367.1696190367.jpg?c=1 "Middle Marker black chert [17885] facing front from the Hooggenoeg Formation Onverwacht Group Barberton Greenstone belt.")
![Middle Marker chert [17885] shown side on facing right. This specimen is from the Hooggenoeg Formation Onverwacht Group Barberton Greenstone belt.](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-ijipkdz2cc/images/stencil/100x100/products/345/1606/Middle-marker-chert-right-sideon-Barberton-17885__53513.1696190367.jpg?c=1 "Middle Marker chert [17885] shown side on facing right. This specimen is from the Hooggenoeg Formation Onverwacht Group Barberton Greenstone belt.")
![Middle Marker chert [17885] facing left. This specimen is from the Hooggenoeg Formation Onverwacht Group Barberton Greenstone belt.](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-ijipkdz2cc/images/stencil/100x100/products/345/1605/Middle-marker-chert-sideon-Barberton-17885__10958.1696190367.jpg?c=1 "Middle Marker chert [17885] facing left. This specimen is from the Hooggenoeg Formation Onverwacht Group Barberton Greenstone belt.")
![Middle Marker chert [17885] with tag, tag stand and sizing cube. This specimen is from the Hooggenoeg Formation Onverwacht Group Barberton Greenstone belt.](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-ijipkdz2cc/images/stencil/100x100/products/345/1604/Middle-marker-chert-Barberton-17885-tag__74157.1696190367.jpg?c=1 "Middle Marker chert [17885] with tag, tag stand and sizing cube. This specimen is from the Hooggenoeg Formation Onverwacht Group Barberton Greenstone belt.")
Middle Marker Horizon Chert Barberton South Africa
Discover one of Earth's oldest sedimentary horizons, rich in organic carbon and microfossils. This unique specimen offers a glimpse into early life on our planet.
Description
The Middle Marker horizon is a sedimentary unit at the base of the Hooggenoeg Formation, part of the Onverwacht Group in the Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa. This formation is among Earth's oldest sedimentary horizons, with detrital zircon dating placing its age at approximately 3.472 billion years.
Unique Features
- Organic Carbon-Rich Contains kerogen-like particles rich in organic carbon, giving it a "clotted" appearance due to the silica-to-carbon ratio.
- Geological Significance The Middle Marker is a thin, 10-meter geologic layer within the diverse Barberton Greenstone Belt. It features dispersed chert seams formed from sediments in an isolated basement with minimal tidal fluctuations.
- Sedimentation Light cross-bedding indicates sedimentation in shallow water at slow, variable rates.
- Volcaniclastic Layers Minimal volcaniclastic sediment layering, indicating waning volcanism during its formation.
- Microstructures Displays minor trough-bedding, cross-stratification, and wavy line structures resembling crinkly biofilm laminations.
- Scientific Importance Contains microfossil remnants, potentially representing the second oldest life on Earth.
- Biofabrics and Microbial Mats Includes biofabrics and microbial mats predating stromatolites (cyanobacteria mats).
Specifications
- Size: 77mm L x 68mm W x 25mm D
- Weight: 219.4 grams
- Included: Certificate of Authenticity, tag and tag stand, relevant scientific articles, 3x5 inch microscopy photo, and in situ color photographs.
- Not Included: Display base and photo cube.
Collection Information
This specimen was legally collected and obtained through a materials trade with a scientific institution.
Add this rare, early life specimen to your geological collection from the Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa, today!
This scientific material is Guaranteed Authentic. It was professionally and legally collected and arrives with a Certificate of Authenticity.
