Moving mountains for you
Switch currency

Current Live Auctions

Current Live Fixed Price Sales

Eisenkiesel & Hematite Psm Fossil Stromatolite

Views:
Watches:
RHT634090

Eisenkiesel & Hematite Psm Fossil Stromatolite

Pseudomorph

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Madfeld, Brilon, Arnsberg, North Rhine - Westphalia, Germany
Class: 
Massive/Crystalline
Size Range: 
Cabinet (10-18 cm)
Size: 
13.3 × 7 × 2.7 cm
Description

The most interestingly structured eisenkiesel-stromatolite I've seen so far. The growth structures - almost like tree growth rings - with 'channels' or 'restriction zoning' of colonies/individuals(I can just guess about the red, vertical parts) are clearly visible. Some areas have been completely replaced by glossy black hematite. Colorless quartz crystals fill hollow molds.

This comes from the same geological structure as the other 'fossil stromatolites' and 'fossil funggi' inclusions in quarz crystals from the Sauerland area - "type locality" Warstein. The material is confined to karstic hollow molds of Devonian 'Massenkalk'. An Oligocene/Miocene age is presumed according to the development of the karst, the mineral paragenesis, and microthermometrical measurements. Fungal mycelia grew on cracks and other hollow molds. Percolating water transported organic C originating from the soil-/sedimentary cover as a substratum for the fungi as well as chelated and free Fe2+ and colloidal Fe3+. Iron was precipitated on the cell walls of the fungal filaments, and thus further precipitation was initiated. Iron-rich layers formed. Gradual dehydration finally led to the formation of goethite. Gel splits and settling structures have often been observed in these regions. The silicification starting within this phase conserved the partially rather fragile structures. The iron stromatolites of Warstein are probably the first examples of fossil biogenic, non-photosynthetic laminites.

New publications attribute the organic stromatolitic structures to fossil bacteria.

Picture colors may differ a little from the natural ones.

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Eisenkiesel

Variety Of: 

Quartz

Formula: 
SiO2
Strunz: 
4.DA.05
Hardness: 
7.0

Hematite

Formula: 
Fe2O3
Strunz: 
4.CB.05
Crystal System: 
Trigonal
Hardness: 
5.0 - 6.0

Seller Information

Payment options: offline, paypal_wpp, paypal_wps

Seller's terms and conditions

Rockhunter does not sell by size or weight. Sizes and weights given are just for the basic orientation of the buyer and shipment planning and might not be exact, even though we're always trying to be as exact as possible.

Photos might show the item in an enlarged or reduced dimension. Please refer to the given sizes. Please note that all photos have been adjusted – e.g., trimmed to show a certain aspect/a detail, colours adjusted, contrasts highlighted etc. to give the customer an optimal impression, while we try to stay as close to the natural appearance as possible. If it shows that photos cannot depict the natural appearance correctly, we will usually mention this (e.g., all Dioptase photos will never show the rich colour and lustre of the mineral). However, the colours on other photos might be a little off too. Also, computer screens might show colours differently.

We assume that the buyer has a basic knowledge of minerals and, on the one hand, has informed himself about possible toxicity and is aware of dangers in handling them. On the other hand, he must also have informed himself about how certain minerals are to be handled and stored – e.g., about resistance to cleaning agents and solvents, sensitivity to light and the like. Rockhunter accepts no liability whatsoever for injuries, health consequences and incorrect treatment of any kind.

All texts and pictures are copyright by Rockhunter Handels UG. The buyer may use pictures and texts of the items he bought for personal use only. For commercial and academic uses you have to ask for permission.

We reserve the right to decline service to customers who have exhibited antisocial or unfair behaviour towards us or our colleagues, or people who are known to us as cheats or troublemakers. Upholding principles of fairness and decency is of utmost importance to us, and we will make every effort to prevent conflicts or, where necessary, swiftly find satisfactory solutions for both parties.