Stromatolites

Buy Stromatolites: Earth's Earliest Life

Stromatolites, Earth's oldest known life forms, date back 3.5 billion years to the Dresser Formation in Australia. These ancient microbial mats, known as North Pole Dome stromatolites, provide a glimpse into the early biosphere of the Archean Eon, long before complex life emerged.

What Are Stromatolites?

Formed by cyanobacteria trapping sediment, stromatolites create layered microbial mats over time. They differ from traditional fossils by forming through sediment interactions rather than mineralized remains. Warm temperatures and limited water flow created ideal conditions, protecting cyanobacteria from predators and allowing stromatolites to grow in waters to large sizes.

Global Presence and Exploration

Found worldwide, stromatolites inspire exploration for similar life on Mars. Studying them deepens our understanding of Earth's early life evolution.