sedimentary
Stromatolite
Biogenic sedimentary rock
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 3-4 on Mohs scale, earthy or dull luster, grayish-brown color with distinct fine layered or laminated internal structures.
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 3-4 on Mohs scale, earthy or dull luster, grayish-brown color with distinct fine layered or laminated internal structures.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the trapping, binding, and cementation of sedimentary grains by micro-organisms, primarily cyanobacteria, dating back billions of years.
Uses & applications
Valued by fossil collectors, educational institutions, and researchers studying early life on Earth.
Geological facts
Stromatolites are Earth's oldest known fossils, responsible for producing the oxygen-rich atmosphere essential for complex life.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by characteristic wavy, concentric layering in carbonate rocks, commonly found in ancient shallow marine sedimentary sequences.
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