Precambrian
stromatolite is the oldest of all fossils, and with much labor (cutting
and polishing), it is most beautiful. The banding that commonly
appears in stromatolite is a record of the growth patterns of colonies
of microorganisms, principally photosynthetic prokaryotes (e.g,
cyanobacteria). The colors that are often expressed are the result
of the interaction of biological and sedimentary processes, together
with subsequent chemistry and mineral exchange.
This
particular specimen exhibits a rare structure for stromatolite,
the so-called "Collenia" form genus comprising many small
dome structures that has a pattern rather resembling a topological
map. Coming
from the Chocolay Group in an area known as the Chocolay Hills located
southeast of Ishpeming, Michigan, it dates to the Lower Proterozoic,
some 2.2 to 2.4 Billion years old. This stromatolitic carbonate
has been hand-polished to a mirror finish on one side exhibits intricate
banding and a spectrum of reddish-brown colors.
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