Cryptozoon (algal Stromatolite)
Vendor: Fossil Soup
SKU Number: SQ6323055
Algal-laminated sediments are due to binding of mechanically deposited sediment by an algal-mat coating which covers moist intertidal zone surfaces. Cryptozoön is an inter-layered consortium of keratose (‘horny’) sponge and microbial carbonate in roughly equal proportions.
This piece exhibits beautifully stratified layers composed of various shades of browns, gold and white.
Full dimensions are listed below.
Additional Information
Algal-laminated sediments are due to binding of mechanically deposited sediment by an algal-mat coating which covers moist intertidal zone surfaces. The formation of high relief, laminated stromatolitic structures, also in the intertidal zone, is dependent on the interaction of the sediment, the binding algal mat and environmental factors. The structures are composed of detrital carbonate sediment which is laminated. The detrital debris is cemented by aragonite to form hard, lithified and semi-lithified structures.
Cryptozoön is an interlayered consortium of keratose (‘horny’) sponge and microbial carbonate in roughly equal proportions. Cryptozoön's well-defined layering reflects repeated alternation of sponge and microbial mat. Its distinctive lateral growth is due to the ability of keratosans to colonize steep and overhanging surfaces.
Logan, Brian W. “Cryptozoon and Associate Stromatolites from the Recent, Shark Bay, Western Australia.” The Journal of Geology, vol. 69, no. 5, The University of Chicago Press, 1961, pp. 517–33
References:
Cryptozoon and Associate Stromatolites from the Recent, Shark Bay, Western Australia.
