sedimentary
Stromatolite
Biogenic sedimentary rock / Calcium carbonate
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 3-4 on the Mohs scale, earthy to vitreous luster, colors range from grey to brown and green, cryptocrystalline structure with fine laminae.
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Stromatolite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 3-4 on the Mohs scale, earthy to vitreous luster, colors range from grey to brown and green, cryptocrystalline structure with fine laminae.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the trapping and binding of sediment particles by layers of microorganisms, primarily cyanobacteria, in shallow aquatic environments over billions of years.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in lapidary work, carved decorative objects, ornamental stones, and by fossil collectors.
Geological facts
Stromatolites represent some of the oldest known life forms on Earth, with fossil evidence dating back over 3.5 billion years.
Field identification & locations
Identified by distinctive layered or banded organic structures; commonly found in ancient marine limestone formations worldwide.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossil-bearing concretion, possibly containing a fossil shell or other organic inclusion
Calcareous concretion; exact fossil and host-rock composition are not identifiable from the image
fossil
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary