Nuvvuagittuq Hydrothermal Jaspilite [123 gm ~ 4.3 Ga]

Nuvvuagittuq Hydrothermal Jaspilite 123 Grams 

This scientific specimen came from the Nuvvuagittuq "Microfossils Locality" microbial life ancient hydrothermal vent formed jaspilite, in Canada. Some scientists regard it as the earliest fossil evidence of life on Earth with an age of about 4.3 Ga, Hadean. The fossil record of life extends back into the vast depths of "Earth time." Before dinosaurs and the oldest stromatolites, there were microfossils.

Discovery of the Jaspilite

Scientists analyzed jasper rock samples and discovered microfossils - tiny remains of ancient organisms. Some of these features exhibited microfossils remnants, filament-like structures and tubes filled with hematite, resembling microbes found in modern hydrothermal vent systems.

The Nuvvuagittuq Supracrustal Belt (NSB)

• The NSB in Canada is a geological formation that once belonged to an early oceanic crust.
• It contains ancient rocks that have preserved clues about Earth's early past and potentially the earliest fossil evidence of life on Earth.

Microfossils and Rosettes: Evidence of Ancient Life

• Scientists studied thin sections of fragments from the NSB using optical microscopy.
• They identified rosette-like structures measuring 50–200 μm.
• Chemical imaging with a Raman microscope revealed calcite, hematite, quartz, magnetite, and apatite minerals.
• These structures resembled hematite tubes, interpreted as microfossils.

Iron-Metabolizing Filamentous Bacteria

• Modern iron-oxidizing bacteria can form Fe-containing filaments and tubes in hot vents.
• The ancient rosettes and tubes in the NSB rocks are believed to be remnants of similar iron-metabolizing bacteria.
• These filamentous bacteria may represent some of the oldest life forms recognized on Earth.

Possible Implications for Life's Origins

The evidence suggests that life established a habitat near submarine-hydrothermal vents as early as ~ 4.3 Ga ago. Ancient submarine-hydrothermal vent systems are now considered potential sites for life's origins on Earth and are crucial targets in the search for extraterrestrial life in astrobiology.

Specimen Details

• Size: 82mm L x 65mm W x 12mm D
• Weight: 123 grams
• Legality: Professionally and legally collected.

Macrophotography image: 6X of this exact specimen.

Macro Image Description

This macro image shows a striking close-up of Nuvvuagittuq jaspilite (banded iron formation from the Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt, Quebec, ~4.28 Ga), captured at ~6X magnification. The field reveals a vivid interplay of colors and textures characteristic of hematite-rich jaspilites and the microfossil-bearing zones described by Dominic Papineau and Matthew Dodd.

• • Iron Oxide Red: The bright crimson to deep rust-red zones are hematite and possibly jasper-like silica-iron phases. This color dominates the central and lower portions of the frame, forming earthy, powdery crusts that stand out in granular texture.

  • Metallic Sheen: Dark, reflective silvery-black crystalline patches (top-center and scattered throughout) are likely magnetite laminae or hematite specularite. These create contrast against the matte reds, emphasizing the layered banded iron formation origin.

  • Microtextural Contrast: The central orange-red section appears friable and porous, suggestive of oxidized hydrothermal precipitates where Dodd et al. (2017) reported possible tubular hematite microfossils formed in submarine hydrothermal vents.

  • Shadowed Depths: The upper-right quadrant shows denser, almost purple-black zones with less oxidation—possibly silica-rich bands that resisted alteration.

What is Included:  Ships with a Certificate of Authenticity, tag, tag stand, and information about the specimen. The specimen stand is also included, the sizing cube is not. 

Remarks: Great, rare display specimen! Very rare, limited inventory.

Collection Contribution:

This science-based specimen makes a terrific addition to mini museum collections based on studies of ancient microbial ecosystems. Few chances to get a great specimen like this from this locality.

 

This specimen ships with a Certificate of Authenticity, tag, tag stand and information about the specimen.