Michigan Kona Dolomite

Kona Dolomite dated to over 2 billion years old.  Thought to be a cyanobacteria colony (stromatolite).  Found in the Kona Hills of Marquette County, Michigan.  These early oxygen producers paved the way for more advanced lifeforms of the future. This piece was profiled in an earlier posting. It has now been wet sanded and polished with a Dremel tool.  Has a nice reddish and pink color bands.

Billion Year Old American Fossils

Kona Dolomite dated to over 2 billion years old.  Thought to be a cyanobacteria colony (stromatolite).  Found in the Kona Hills of Marquette County, Michigan.  These early oxygen producers paved the way for more advanced lifeforms of the future.

These pieces were cut off a larger block and have just been sanded down.  I started using a sanding wheel with a belt sander attachment for the first time.  Sure beats doing it by hand as I have done in the past! Next step is to hand sand these pieces with wet sandpaper and then polish it with the Dremel tool.

The slabs were photographed wet to bring out nice colors.

Thanks to Kenny for helping me cut the slab with a diamond saw.

African Archean Fossil

This specimen is thought to be over 2.5 billion years old. Bacteria and algae appeared at this time in the water.  Volcanic activity produced increased atmospheric pressure and temperature.  The higher temperature caused serpentization of the sediments thus the green color. In between the layers the micro stromatolites (like algal mats).

This fossil was found in southern Africa's Greenstone Belt.  Its green color definitely matches the formation name.  Unique about the fossil material is it is called butterstone dated to the geologic eon Archean.
See more on eBay: CLICK HERE
 

In addition, here are pictures of oolitic agate formed on a Wyoming seafloor during the Eocene. Check it out on eBay: CLICK HERE

Archean Polished Butterstone

This rock was found in southern Africa's Greenstone Belt.  The color of the rock definitely matches the formation name.  What is special about this rock called butterstone dated to the geologic eon Archean.  Thus the material is thought to be over 2.5 billion years old.

Bacteria and algae appeared at this time in the water.  Volcanic activity produced increased atmospheric pressure and temperature.  The higher temperature caused serpentization of the sediments thus the green color. In between the layers the micro stromatolites (like algal mats).

This fossil is for sale on eBay: CLICK HERE and another is for sale (ending October 11, 2011): CLICK HERE