Western Europe, Germany, Rheinland-Pfalz, Oligocene, ca. 30 million years ago. This is a fossilized lacustrine stromatolite bacteria colony from a prehistoric lake! Stromatolites are the first evidence we have for life on Earth, and this colony is perfectly preserved, fossilized on a host rock for millions of the years then laboriously prepared in a professional lab where extensive work went into the removal of the upper matrix rock layer to reveal all the delicate intact anatomy of each colony. The large proportions, the 3D high relief, and the blushes of natural rust reddish brown hues on the bacterial balls against the white, make for an incredible display piece. Each cyanobacteria fossil ball shows rare colony detail and fully inflated definition as it was when once alive! Fossil stromatolites of this form and geologic period are not readily found on the commercial market and are generally reserved for museums, so this is a rare opportunity to acquire this amazing fossil! Size: 19" L x 10" W x 6" H (48.3 cm x 25.4 cm x 15.2 cm)
When space exploration seeks life on other planets such as Mars, the specific evidence they are looking for are the presence of fossil stromatolites - traces of prehistoric bacteria colonies. Stromatolite fossils should be the foundation of any fossil display or collection and yet, they are often absent, and their importance overlooked despite their enormous scientific importance in the history of all life. The fossil market has stromatolite fossils, but in most cases, they are sliced and polished slabs of a former fossil colony to be more "aesthetic." This is a whole and natural form, an extremely rare fossil stromatolite with intact natural ball structures!
This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.
Provenance: ex private Dutch collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
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we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#167888
Condition
Professionally prepared with minor repairs but 100% original material.