White Smoker Hydrothermal Vent [smu11506]

This "white smoker" pipe material is from a preserved freshwater vent from ancient Lake Gosiute, the Green River Eocene, Wyoming. Lake Gosiute is roughly 50 million years old. Some "smokers" will have ostracodes preserved in them and will exhibit calcite crystals. These crystals were the last of the minerals to come out of suspension as the lake dried up and fossilized in the process.

Although both "black smokers" and "white smokers" are different colors and have different elements, they both are breeding grounds for a unique ecosystem that can be found nowhere else on Earth. White smokers are the cooler temperature cousins of black smokers and release cooler water than "black smokers.” The vents in freshwater lakes contain more barium, calcium and silicon. These elements also have a white color, causing a white "smoke” when they are under water.

Size: 95mm L x 100mm W X 75mm D, Weight: 626 grams

Included: Certificate of Authenticity, tag and tag stand. Photo cube not included.

This very unique specimen would make a great, important addition to any scientific collection.