Apex Chert Microfossil-Bearing Rock Specimen - 4 g
Brand : Jensan Scientifics LLC
- SKU:
- JPT-864018
- Availability:
- Usually ships in 24 hours.
- Weight:
- 1.00 LBS
- Minimum Purchase:
- 1 unit
- Maximum Purchase:
- 1 unit
- Shipping:
- Calculated at Checkout
Authentic Apex Chert microfossil-bearing rock from the Pilbara Craton, Western Australia, dating to the Paleoarchean (~3.49 billion years ago; 3.49 Ga). This study-scale Apex Chert originates from the classic Apex Basalt–Warrawoona Group locality associated with some of Earth's earliest reported microbial fossil structures and has been examined using Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS).
| Apex Chert Details | |
| Object Type | Apex Chert with reported Paleoarchean microfossil structures (SIMS studied) |
| Geological Age | Paleoarchean (~3.49 billion years ago; 3.49 Ga) |
| Locality | Apex Basalt, Warrawoona Group, Pilbara Craton, Western Australia |
| Dimensions | 22 mm × 20 mm × 5 mm; Weight: 4.0 grams. |
| Condition | All-natural matrix; diamond-polished smooth face; reverse polished smooth |
| Scientific Significance | Classic Pilbara locality associated with some of Earth's earliest reported microbial fossil structures |
| Use & Display | Early Earth geology collection, research reference, educational display, science gift |
| Includes | Certificate of Authenticity, specimen tag, tag stand, educational information, Schopf (2018) SIMS study summary, Specimen ID: 82978 |
| Remarks | Collected from the original Schopf study locality; legally sourced; prepared for close visual study and archival display |
| Citations | Schopf JW et al. 2018 PNAS 115(1): 201718063; Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History |
| Shipping | Free insured Priority shipping within the USA |
Questions Commonly Asked About Apex Chert
How do we know Apex Chert contains life?
Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) was used in a landmark 2018 study to analyze carbon isotope values within individual filament-like structures. The reported isotopic patterns were interpreted as consistent with biological metabolisms in early Earth environments, supporting their interpretation as some of Earth's oldest reported microfossils.
Is the age of Apex Chert verified?
Yes. The Apex Basalt is dated using U–Pb zircon geochronology to approximately 3.49 billion years ago (~3.49 Ga), placing it firmly in the Paleoarchean.
Where is the Apex Chert located?
Apex Chert occurs within the Apex Basalt of the Warrawoona Group in the Pilbara Craton of Western Australia.
Why This Apex Chert Stands Out to Collectors
This Apex Chert displays a striking interplay of milky-white to pale-gray silica and deep, iron-rich, red-brown chert, arranged in flowing, folded bands. Distinct lamination and swirled deformation are visible across the polished, smooth face, giving the piece a dynamic, almost fluid appearance despite its great age.
Small, dark granular inclusions—likely iron oxides or carbonaceous material—are scattered throughout the lighter silica-rich zones, adding texture and visual contrast. The dense red-brown central band is sharply bounded, reflecting chemical variation during early silica precipitation rather than later surface alteration.
The cut surface is flat and clean, suitable for close visual study, macro photography, or archival display. Natural banding and mineral contrast clearly reflect early Archean silica processes characteristic of the Apex Basalt–Warrawoona geological setting.
Excellent Specimen for Display or Study
This is a study-scale Apex Chert with strong, colorful visual appeal, well-suited for collectors focused on early Earth lithologies, banded chert textures, or Pilbara Craton material.
