STROMATOLITE (‘Beetroot stone’) - 165 million years old - Gloucestershire

STROMATOLITE (‘Beetroot stone’)

Solenopora jurassica

165 million years old (Jurassic period)

Cirencester, Gloucestershire

This specimen is a striking example of what is thought to be a stromatolite. Stromatolites are structures formed in shallow water by organisms called cyanobacteria. However, recently some scientists have suggested that these fossils may be chaetetid sponges.

It shows pink banding which is thought to be remnants of the original pigment.  It is a rare example of colour being preserved from a time when dinosaurs ruled the Earth.

This is a cut slice that has been polished on one side.