Apex Chert Pilbara Australia [13.7 g ~ 3.49 Ga]
Brand : Jensan Scientifics LLC
- SKU:
- JPT-78458
- Condition:
- New
- Availability:
- Usually ships in 24 hours.
- Weight:
- 1.00 LBS
- Minimum Purchase:
- 1 unit
- Maximum Purchase:
- 1 unit
- Shipping:
- Calculated at Checkout
Apex Chert: Authentic Microfossil-Bearing Sedimentary Rock from the Pilbara Craton, Western Australia; Early Archean (~3.49 Billion Years Ago; 3.49 Ga)
| Apex Chert 13.7 g | |
|---|---|
| Object Type | Apex Chert Microfossils |
| Geological Age | Early Archean (~3.49 billion years ago; 3.49 Ga) |
| Locality | Apex Chert, Pilbara Craton, Western Australia |
| Dimensions | Size: 48mm L X 28mm W X 5mm D; Weight: 13.7 g |
| Condition | No restoration or enhancement; diamond-polished smooth on both sides |
| Scientific Significance | Among the oldest preserved sedimentary rocks on Earth, widely studied for early life biosignatures |
| Use & Display | Deep-time geology collection, early Earth life science reference, museum-style display, science gift |
| Includes | COA, specimen tag, tag stand, SIMS information sheet |
| Remarks | Early Archean chert from the Pilbara Craton, frequently referenced for early life reference; Legally Collected |
| Citation | SIMS analyses of microstructures in Apex Chert document taxon-correlated carbon isotope compositions interpreted as biological in origin, reported by Schopf et al. (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2017) |
| Shipping | Free insured Priority Shipping in the USA |
Apex Chert: Revealing Earth's Early Life
Unlocking the mysteries of Earth's earliest life has been quite a journey for scientists. Once a subject of debate, Apex Chert from the Pilbara region of Western Australia has now revealed some of its complexities. A pivotal scientific paper published in 2018 confirmed the presence of 11 Archaean microbial fossils within this remarkable specimen. Researchers identified two primitive photosynthesizers, two methane consumers, and one methane producer. These findings demonstrate that the Archean "Tree of Life" was active ~ 3.49 – 3.46 Ga, confirming the biogenicity of Apex fossils.
Fascinating Links to Martian Life
The intrigue extends further. Interestingly, the filaments found in Apex Chert resemble structures discovered in ALH 84001, a meteorite from Antarctica believed to contain ancient Martian life. While the debate over life in the meteorite continues, this connection suggests the possibility of microfossil life on Mars. The quest for evidence of life on the Red Planet continues with ongoing missions.
Apex Chert has been described and studied in scientific publications and textbooks for over 40 years.
Insights into Extraterrestrial Existence
Discoveries like Apex Chert provide valuable insights into the potential for life beyond Earth. Scientists are now examining molecular signatures in exoplanet atmospheres to better understand different life forms that may exist elsewhere in the universe. We are on the brink of an exciting new frontier in science, potentially uncovering how life began on our planet.
What is Included:
- A Certificate of Authenticity, Professionally and legally collected.
- A copy of relevant scientific information about the SIMS microfossils found in Apex Chert.
- Please note: an acrylic display stand is included, but the photo cube is not included.
Provenance and Rarity
This Apex Chert originates from the exact outcrop collected by Bonnie Packer and analyzed by J. William Schopf. This is a high-quality specimen and is exceedingly rare, found only in a few museums and private collections.
