sedimentary

Stromatolite (stromatolitic limestone)

Laminated microbial carbonate, chiefly calcite (CaCO₃); precise species or age cannot be determined from the photo

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Tan to salmon-colored, with concentric and wavy layered bands. Typically calcite-rich (Mohs 3); dull to slightly crystalline, with no consistent cleavage. The visible rounded, layered structures are characteristic of stromatolitic texture.

Identified September 29, 2026More sedimentary →

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At a glance

Common name: Stromatolite (stromatolitic limestone)
Scientific name: Laminated microbial carbonate, chiefly calcite (CaCO₃); precise species or age cannot be determined from the photo
Category: sedimentary
Identified: September 29, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $10–$100 for a small common specimen; price depends strongly on size, locality, age documentation, and preparation.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms as microbes trap sediment and promote carbonate precipitation in shallow water. Stromatolites range from billions of years old to modern; the specimen’s age and locality are unknown.

Uses & applications

Collected as a geological specimen and used to study early microbial ecosystems and sedimentary environments; not typically used as jewelry or construction stone.

Geological facts

Stromatolites preserve some of Earth’s oldest evidence of life, though similar structures can form in younger environments.

Field identification & locations

Look for repeated domes or concentric, finely laminated bands in carbonate rock; confirm with locality and geological context, as visual identification alone is not definitive.