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Dresser Formation Stromatolite Fragment – 3.49 Billion Years Old
A genuine fragment of one of Earth’s oldest known microbial fossil structures.
This listing is for a genuine stromatolite / microbialite fragment from the famous Dresser Formation of the Pilbara Region, Western Australia. Dating to approximately 3.49 billion years old, these specimens come from the Paleoarchean, long before animals, plants, dinosaurs or complex life existed.
Stromatolites are layered structures formed by ancient microbial mats. These early microbial communities trapped and bound fine sediment over time, creating laminated stone-like structures that can be preserved in the fossil record. Specimens from the Dresser Formation are especially significant because they represent some of the oldest physical evidence of life on Earth.
This is a small but scientifically remarkable fossil specimen — a tangible connection to the earliest chapters of life on our planet.
Important Information
- The photographs shown are representative examples.
- You will receive ONE genuine Dresser Formation stromatolite fragment selected from our available stock.
- Each specimen is naturally unique and will vary slightly in colour, shape, texture, pattern and mineralisation.
- All specimens are of very similar quality and size to those shown in the photographs.
Specimen Size
Approximate specimen size:
- Fragments are generally around 1–2 cm wide.
- Height is typically around 1–1.7 cm.
- Thickness usually ranges from approximately 6 mm to 1 cm.
As these are natural fossil fragments, exact size, shape, colour and surface detail will vary between specimens.
Key Details
- One genuine fossil stromatolite / microbialite fragment
- Fossil type: Microbial mat / cyanobacteria mat structure
- Age: approximately 3,490 million years old
- Geological age: Paleoarchean
- Formation: Dresser Formation
- Origin: Pilbara Region, Western Australia
- One specimen supplied per purchase
- Small display specimen, suitable for collectors, education and natural history gifts
About Stromatolites
Stromatolites are layered structures created by microbial communities. Unlike later fossils such as shells, bones or teeth, stromatolites preserve the activity and growth patterns of ancient microorganisms rather than the body of a large animal.
The layered texture seen in stromatolite material formed as microbial mats trapped sediment and built up over time. These structures provide an extraordinary glimpse into life on Earth billions of years before complex organisms evolved.
About the Dresser Formation
The Dresser Formation in Western Australia is one of the most important geological formations for studying early life on Earth. At around 3.49 billion years old, material from this formation reaches back into the Paleoarchean, making it far older than dinosaurs, trilobites, ammonites, plants or even the earliest animals.
A fragment like this is small in size, but immense in geological importance: it represents a piece of Earth history from a time when the planet was young and life existed only as simple microbial communities.
Condition
This is a genuine natural fossil specimen. Small chips, rough edges, colour variation, mineralisation, natural texture and irregularities are expected and form part of the authenticity and character of the piece.
Please note that the photographs are representative. You will receive one genuine Dresser Formation stromatolite fragment of similar size and quality to those shown.
Postage
Carefully packaged and dispat
