Ancient Beauty - Mary Ellen Jasper

Mary Ellen Jasper comes from the Mary Ellen Mine in Minnesota.  Scientifically known as Collenia undosa, the microorganisms involved were likely to have been photosynthetic bacteria that were busily expiring oxygen that would ultimately constitute the modern atmosphere on earth during a time colloquially termed the “rusting of the earth”.



Polished Mary Ellen

 



Rough Mary Ellen

These microoganism colonies are called Stromatolites, these stony algae colonies built up layers and sometimes whole reefs.  Mary Ellen Jasper is the fossilized remains replaced in sedimentary rock, the beautiful filaments and layered polyps are one of the earliest life forms preserved today.  At over 2 billion years old, this primitive species is often credited with providing our oxygen rich environment.

You can still find Stromatolites today in such places as Shark Bay, Australia where they continue their billions of years old lifestyle.