Representative ImageEarly Life Fossils
·Real Fossil
Dresser Formation Stromatolite Fragment
- Real Fossil
- 3,490 million years
- Ships worldwide
£25.00
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● In stock — dispatched within 2 working days
A profound specimen from the Dresser Formation, representing the earliest evidence of microbial life on Earth at 3.49 billion years old. Stromatolite fragments are generally 1–2 cm wide and 1–1.7 cm tall, with a thickness ranging from about 6 mm to 1 cm, depending on the specimen.
Gift Suitable
Boxed display perfect to show young collectors how life may have started on the planet
Specimen Details
Species
Microbialite / Cyanobacteria mat
Age
3,490 million years
Period
Paleoarchean
Origin
Pilbara Region, Western Australia
Formation
Dresser Formation
Type
Genuine fossil
Display
Small specimen; displays beautifully on a small easel or flat.
Listing
Representative image — similar to photo
Gift suitable
Yes
About This Fossil
This specimen is a cut fragment of a stromatolite from the world-renowned Dresser Formation. These organo-sedimentary structures represent some of the oldest physical evidence of life on Earth, providing a tangible link to the Paleoarchean era. Unlike the skeletal remains of later animals, these fossils are the literal architectures of ancient microbial communities, primarily cyanobacteria, that flourished in a vastly different primitive environment.
Owning a piece of the Dresser Formation is akin to holding a chapter of Earth's foundational history. The intricate, layered patterns visible in this cross-section are the result of mineral particles being trapped and bound by biofilms of microorganisms nearly 3.5 billion years ago. It is a sober, profound reminder of the resilience and antiquity of the biosphere.
Formation & Preservation
Stromatolites form through the activity of microbial mats. As these communities of primitive organisms grew, they secreted sticky films that trapped fine sediment. Over time, these layers calcified, building up the stony, laminated structures we see today. In the case of the Dresser Formation, these processes occurred alongside hydrothermal volcanic activity, which helped preserve these delicate microbial signatures in chert and barite.
What Makes This Specimen Special
The Dresser Formation is globally significant; it is one of the few places on Earth where the crust has remained stable enough to preserve life from the Archean Eon. These specimens are highly sought after by researchers and serious collectors for their immense age and their role in our understanding of evolutionary biology.
Authenticity & Sourcing
Real vs Replica
- This is a genuine fossil. Authenticity guaranteed in writing.
- You will receive a specimen similar to the one shown — see Natural Variation below.
Ethical Sourcing
- Sourced from established, long-standing suppliers and known commercial sites — never protected, scientifically significant, or restricted localities.
- ✓We will not knowingly handle fossils removed in breach of any country's heritage or export laws.
Origin & Natural Variation
Stated origin (Pilbara Region, Western Australia) and formation (Dresser Formation) reflect the best information from our supplier and accepted geological literature. Where exact locality cannot be independently verified, we describe the formation rather than a single quarry.
Fossils are natural objects. Expect minor variation in colour, matrix, mineralisation, and surface detail. Any significant repair, restoration, or composite preparation is disclosed in the description — we never present restored areas as original without saying so.
Read our full authenticity guarantee or the authenticity & sourcing clause in our terms.
Shipping, Returns & Packaging
• UK shipping: Free on orders over £50. Standard £3.95.
• International: Available worldwide. Rates at checkout.
• Packaging: Individually wrapped, cushioned, and boxed. Fragile specimens receive extra protection.
• Dispatch: Usually within 1–2 working days.
• Returns: 30-day returns. Contact us first. Item must be in original condition.