Representative ImageEarly Life Fossils
·Real Fossil
Dresser Formation Stromatolite Fragment
- Real Fossil
- 3,490 million years
- Ships worldwide
£25.00
● 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
Only 2 left in stock
Specimen Record
DTF-C80EBD83Representative image
Photographs show a typical example. Your item will be similar but not identical.
- Species
- Microbialite / Cyanobacteria mat
- Identification confidence
- Not recorded
- Age
- 3,490 million years
- Geological period
- Paleoarchean
- Formation
- Dresser Formation
- Locality
- Pilbara Region, Western Australia
- Dimensions
- Not recorded
- Weight
- Not recorded
Condition & Treatment
- Repair
- Not recorded
- Restoration
- Not recorded
- Stabilisation
- Not recorded
- Polishing
- Not recorded
- Composite
- Not recorded
"Not recorded" means we hold no verified record for that detail — it is not a claim either way.
Curator Note
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.
At a Glance
Type
Genuine fossil
Display
Small specimen; displays beautifully on a small easel or flat.
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 — not a replica unless clearly stated. Clearly described and honestly presented.
- You will receive a specimen similar to the one shown — see Natural Variation below.
Ethical Sourcing
- Sourced from established suppliers and known commercial sites. We do not buy from localities we know to be protected, scientifically restricted, or subject to export controls. Origin and sourcing information is shared where known.
- ✓We will not knowingly handle specimens removed in breach of any country's heritage or export laws.
Origin & Natural Variation
Stated origin (Pilbara Region, Western Australia) and formation (Dresser Formation) are based on supplier information and available geological references. Identification can vary in certainty — especially for fragments — so 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, surface texture, and matrix, mineralisation and surface detail. Treatment information is shown under Condition & Treatment where it is recorded. “Not recorded” means we hold no verified record for that detail; it is not a claim that no treatment occurred.
Read our full authenticity & honest descriptions policy or the authenticity & sourcing clause in our terms.
Shipping, Returns & Packaging
• UK shipping: Free on orders of £50 or more. Standard £4.95 (Royal Mail Tracked 48, typically 2–3 working days after dispatch).
• International: Available worldwide. Rates at checkout.
• Packaging: Individually wrapped, cushioned, and boxed. Fragile specimens receive extra protection.
• Dispatch: Within 2 working days (framed, mounted, or made-to-order pieces take 1 additional working day).
• Returns: 30-day returns. Contact us first. Item must be in original condition.