Sourced from Bolivia

The patterns on these stromatolite spheres are truly mesmerizing. While we do carry a lot of fascinating specimens with a wide range of patterns and colors, stromatolites are slowly becoming our favorite. Plus, they are the old fossils on the face of the earth! More on that later…

Stromatolites are bizarre fossils whose biological origins were debated until only a few decades ago. Today, scientists generally agree that stromatolites are layered colonial structures predominantly formed by cyanobacteria. But how do these interesting formations form? Good question: A stromatolite is produced by cyanobacteria. The distinctive layers are produced as calcium carbonate is precipitated over the growing mat of bacterial filaments. Photosynthesis in the bacteria depletes carbon dioxide in the surrounding water and makes it less acidic thus initiating the precipitation of the calcium carbonate. The minerals, along with grains of sediment precipitating from the water become trapped within the sticky layer of mucilage that surrounds the bacterial colonies. As the colony continues to grow upwards through the sediment a new layer is formed. As this process occurs over and over again, the layers of sediment are created.
As mentioned above, Stromatolites are the oldest fossils on earth. They have been dated back to more than three billion years ago. That's billion with a B. They were the dominant life form on earth for over 2 billion years and are thought to be primarily responsible for the oxygenation of the atmosphere. The air you’re currently enjoying while reading this was mostly likely made possible by these stromatolites spheres. Crazy right? Living and fossil stromatolites are usually no more than half a meter tall and are found in marine environments. In contrast, the Capitol Reef Stromatolites are up to five meters in height and appear in thin carbonate beds associated with interdune deposits. But wait, that’s not all!

According to metaphysics: All fossils are thought to support transformation and change. They are believed to assist you in moving from the old to the new and be receptive to the fresh, innovative forces. Stromatolite is a stone of transformation assisting healing at an emotional level. Stromatolite gently removes blockages within the meridians and chakra. Stromatolite is a good meditation aid assisting with past life recall. Stromatolite teaches the purpose of life on Earth and our part in it.