Eocene stromatolite fossil (chlorellopsis coloniatathe) – ancient microbial reef life – wyoming, usa – with certificate of authenticity
£ 7.50
Fossil evidence suggests that stromatolite mat builders began creating the first
reef systems at least 3.5 billion years ago. This makes these microbes the earliest known form of life—one that would dominate in the oxygen-poor conditions that characterized Earth's atmosphere until about 560 million years ago (mya).Stromatolites are special rock-like structures which usually form in shallow water and are formed by bacteria such as cyanobacteria. There may also be other types of bacteria and single-celled algae.This listing features a genuine stromatolite fossil specimen, specifically Chlorellopsis coloniatathe, from the Eocene Epoch, discovered in Southwest Wyoming, USA. These unique, rock-like structures are some of the oldest evidence of life on Earth, with origins tracing back over 3.5 billion years. Stromatolites are layered bio-chemical accretions formed in shallow waters by colonies of cyanobacteria and other microorganisms. These bacteria are photosynthetic and played a critical role in producing Earth’s early oxygen-rich atmosphere. Their dome-shaped growths laid the groundwork for the earliest reef systems, long before corals existed. This specimen dates from the Eocene Epoch (~56 to 33.9 million years ago), a time of global warming and significant evolutionary changes in flora and fauna. While much younger than the first stromatolites, it still represents a fascinating part of Earth’s microbial history and geological development. The name Chlorellopsis coloniatathe refers to the specific microbe colonies that formed the layered patterns of this fossil. These growths can often exhibit concentric or laminated textures, beautifully preserved within the fossilised rock. Stromatolites are an essential addition to any fossil collection — they represent the earliest forms of life, and the very organisms that helped make complex life on Earth possible. Item Details:
• Specimen: Stromatolite
• Name: Chlorellopsis coloniatathe
• Age: Eocene Period (~56 to 33.9 million years ago)
• Location Found: South West Wyoming, USA
• Scale Reference: Scale cube = 1cm (please refer to photo for full sizing)
• Certificate of Authenticity: Included ACTUAL AS SEEN: You will receive the exact specimen shown in the listing photo. Each fossil is individually hand-selected and professionally photographed. Please Note:
• Some fossils may be propped for photography purposes.
• Colours may vary due to lighting and screen settings.
• Dimensions are approximate due to the natural, irregular shape of fossils.
• Once this item is sold, the listing will be updated with a new, similar specimen and fresh photographs. 100% Genuine Fossil – Professionally Selected – Certificate of Authenticity Included
reef systems at least 3.5 billion years ago. This makes these microbes the earliest known form of life—one that would dominate in the oxygen-poor conditions that characterized Earth's atmosphere until about 560 million years ago (mya).Stromatolites are special rock-like structures which usually form in shallow water and are formed by bacteria such as cyanobacteria. There may also be other types of bacteria and single-celled algae.This listing features a genuine stromatolite fossil specimen, specifically Chlorellopsis coloniatathe, from the Eocene Epoch, discovered in Southwest Wyoming, USA. These unique, rock-like structures are some of the oldest evidence of life on Earth, with origins tracing back over 3.5 billion years. Stromatolites are layered bio-chemical accretions formed in shallow waters by colonies of cyanobacteria and other microorganisms. These bacteria are photosynthetic and played a critical role in producing Earth’s early oxygen-rich atmosphere. Their dome-shaped growths laid the groundwork for the earliest reef systems, long before corals existed. This specimen dates from the Eocene Epoch (~56 to 33.9 million years ago), a time of global warming and significant evolutionary changes in flora and fauna. While much younger than the first stromatolites, it still represents a fascinating part of Earth’s microbial history and geological development. The name Chlorellopsis coloniatathe refers to the specific microbe colonies that formed the layered patterns of this fossil. These growths can often exhibit concentric or laminated textures, beautifully preserved within the fossilised rock. Stromatolites are an essential addition to any fossil collection — they represent the earliest forms of life, and the very organisms that helped make complex life on Earth possible. Item Details:
• Specimen: Stromatolite
• Name: Chlorellopsis coloniatathe
• Age: Eocene Period (~56 to 33.9 million years ago)
• Location Found: South West Wyoming, USA
• Scale Reference: Scale cube = 1cm (please refer to photo for full sizing)
• Certificate of Authenticity: Included ACTUAL AS SEEN: You will receive the exact specimen shown in the listing photo. Each fossil is individually hand-selected and professionally photographed. Please Note:
• Some fossils may be propped for photography purposes.
• Colours may vary due to lighting and screen settings.
• Dimensions are approximate due to the natural, irregular shape of fossils.
• Once this item is sold, the listing will be updated with a new, similar specimen and fresh photographs. 100% Genuine Fossil – Professionally Selected – Certificate of Authenticity Included