Stromatolite, Precambrian (Animikean era), Biwabik Iron Formation, Mary Ellen Mine, Mesabi Iron Range, Minnesota, U.S.A.
Much of the world's heavy metals were deposited as a consequence of oxidation by living organisms, either in the process during which sulfate was converted to sulfide or carbon dioxide to oxygen. The green in this specimen may have been produced by salts of iron, nickel, chromium or copper, or some combination of these, laid down originally as sulfates by cyanobacteria, whose remains we call stromatolites.
Dimensions: 20 1/8" x 16 1/4"
About the Ancient Microworlds collection:
This piece is part of a collection of several dozen framed high-magnification prints of fossils, as seen in the book, Ancient Microworlds by Giraud Foster and Norman Barker (2000).
Foster and Barker worked together for 12 years to create this collection, which ultimately led to a photography exhibit that shattered the barrier between science and art. They used custom light-scanning macrographic equipment to capture the rich patterns and colors of the fossilized organisms.
The exhibit travelled the country, and was last on display in the Museum of the Earth in Ithaca, NY from June to September 2015.
Note: This item is greener than it appears.
FOR PICKUP ONLY AT MUSEUM OF THE EARTH