Stromatolite stone – properties, virtues & benefits

Stromatolite Stone is a rare and fascinating fossilized rock dating back over 3 billion years. This unique stone is formed of concentric layers of minerals and organic matter, bearing witness to the evolution of life on Earth. Discover the history of our planet through this stone steeped in history and mystery.

STROMATOLITE CHARACTERISTICS

  • Chakra: Root (1st Chakra).
  • Properties: Anchoring, Connection with Earth’s history, Emotional stability, Physical healing, Yin/Yang balance.
  • Astrology: Neptune.
  • Zodiac: Capricorn.
  • Elements: Earth, Water.
  • Colors: Gray, Black, Beige, Brown.
  • Hardness: 3.5 – 4 (on Mohs scale).
  • Chemical Formula: Variable, mainly calcite, aragonite, quartz, hematite and pyrite.
  • Associated god: /

PIERRE STROMATOLITE – HIS HISTORY

Fossil rocks dating back 3.42 billion years have been discovered on Earth, when the Moon was closer to the planet and Earth’s rotation was faster. This resulted in higher tides and a larger foreshore, allowing fossil stromatolite stones to grow freely, notably in the Warrawoona region of the Pilbara craton. Although even older fossils have been reported from Isua Island in Greenland, their discovery has been questioned on the grounds that their shape is due to post-depositional deformation of the sediment. Stromatolites were long the only dominant form of life on Earth, with maximum diversity between 1 and 1.3 billion years ago, before dropPing to 75% of this level during the Precambrian and to less than 20% at the beginning of the Cambrian. The decline in their diversity is probably due to the emergence of other species at the end of the Proterozoic, as suggested by the divergence times of animal molecular sequences.

Stromatolites are slow-forming limestone structures that have created vast reefs, limestone massifs and dolomites up to 3 km thick in the Congo or Morocco over time. They also contributed to the creation of our atmosphere and the ozone layer, enabling the development of life on Earth, both on land and in the oceans. Stromatolites were therefore the first to sequester carbon and calcium in large quantities, which is harmful to complex organisms.

Stromatolites are fossils that were created by a community of microscoPic organisms belonging to micro-organisms and primitive algae. They are the oldest fossils of biological origin and are mainly found in sediments of Precambrian age. Between 3,500 and 500 Ma, these communities dominated marine life, but their gradual disappearance began in the early Cambrian with the appearance of more complex species, such as vertebrates, crustaceans and molluscs, by the end of the Precambrian. The organisms that created these rocks were restricted to isolated ecological niches, particularly in shallow, highly saline marine areas, where few other organisms were found.

Stromatolites today resemble reefs, but they’ve become very rare. They come in different sizes, colors and constitutions, ranging from blue-gray to black, creamy yellow and reddish. They are mainly found in marine or lake littorals, such as Shark Bay and Lake Thetis in Australia, Lake Salgada in Brazil, Lake Slaire in Egypt, the Bahamas, Transvaal in South Africa, the Chinese island of Hainan and several Australian lakes.

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The cyanobacteria that often create stromatolites are found in many sulfurous hot springs, such as in Yellowstone National Park, but they are different and less numerous than the species found in cooler waters. They are also found in petrifying springs and streams, such as the Ruisseau du Dard in France and the Ruisseau de la Cascade de Saint-Pierre-Livron near Caylus (Tarn-et-Garonne). Their appearance, size and density vary according to their environment, geographical area, depth, waves and wind direction.

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At Thetis Lake, a place of high diversity, three varieties of stromatolites can be observed:

  • A “pustular” variety mainly exposed by the tide and composed of circular blocks one meter wide and about ten centimeters high. It is sparsely laminated and less dense, and is built up by the bacterium Eontophysalis major, potentially from the oldest known direct living lineage for a non-fossilized organism on the Earth’s surface.
  • A “smooth” variety in taller, distinctly laminated columns, produced by a cross between a filamentous cyanobacterium Microcoleus chthonoplastes and various microorganisms of the genus Schizothrix.
  • A “botryoid” variety formed by the association of cyanobacteria and diatoms, submerged to a depth of 4 m and producing a substantial film of mucus. These clumps can be invaded by Acetabularia-type algae, and their growth is slow, with a measured annual increase of less than 0.4 mm at Shark Bay.

STROMATOLITE STONE – ITS ORIGIN AND COMPOSITION

A stromatolite, also known as a thrombolite, is a laminar, usually calcareous structure that grows in shallow aquatic environments, whether marine or freshwater. They are biogenic and sedimentary in origin, and are not living systems, but rather the bacterial sequences that build them are. Stromatolites have the appearance of superimposed sheets, with a thickness of 0.1 to 5 mm, and can form a dark biomineral mat, which is an organized form of biofilm. In most stromatolites, the structure consists of a germ layer and a sediment layer, thought to be the crystallization induced by microorganisms in water virtually saturated with mineral salts.

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Stromatolite stones are discoidal or nippled cushions, and although their origin was criticized in their early days, geologists now confirm that the mineral sheets that make them up grew with colonies of microbes in several layers. Two mechanisms have been identified to explain their formation. Firstly, cyanobacteria create a plexus of bacterial filaments known as a prokaryotic mucilaginous matrix or bacterial matte. They produce mucilage that can catch particles suspended in water to build a crust containing large quantities of insoluble calcium carbonates and soluble bicarbonates. Other alkaline- and heat-resistant micro-organisms such as Bacillus sphaericus, Soporosarcina pasteurii and Proteus aeruginosa help to maintain the insoluble limestone after the bacteria have disappeared. Oncoliths, which have a similar appearance to stromatoliths, are not biogenic, but result from crystallization.

STROMATOLITE STONE – VERTIES AND PROPERTIES

STROMATOLITE ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL LEVEL

Stromatolite stone is known for releasing suffering, manipulation and emotional conditioning that may be ingrained in you. It helps reveal your old demons, patterns and apathy, helPing to eliminate unconscious automatisms that clutter your daily life, strengthen your ego and increase your suffering. As an ancient, organic fossil stone, it embodies the energy of the primordial ocean, where life was born from cells derived from algae. This stone therefore carries the energy of the beginnings of our terrestrial consciousness. It also preserves your vitality by dissolving the traces of your old mechanisms, giving you more inner space to breathe better and feel more available. Stromatolite stone strengthens heart energy and self-compassion.

On an emotional level, this stone promotes self-esteem and the ability to undertake things, helps one grow, eliminate doubts and hesitations, and make decisions quickly through experience. It promotes confidence, individual power, intuition and emotional calm, while protecting against toxic emotions.

On a sPiritual level, the Stromatolite stone helps you deal with new situations based on flexibility and adaptation, while demonstrating wisdom. It roots you in the earth and keeps you focused on your goals. It also protects against bad energies by transforming them into positive ones, raising the vibratory rate of your environment.

STROMATOLITY ON THE PHYSICAL LEVEL

As far as the physical benefits of stromatolite stone are concerned, it is linked to the liver and contributes to the elimination of toxins. It supports the nervous system, bones and teeth. It promotes healthy digestion and helps combat gastric acidity, especially when combined with Hypersthene. In addition, when combined with Rutile Quartz, it brings energy to the lungs.

STROMATOLITE STONE – CLEAN AND RECHARGE

Stromatolite stone can be cleaned and recharged in a variety of ways. Here are a few options:

Cleaning:

  • Clear water: Rinse the stone under clear tap water for a few minutes, visualizing the negative energy flowing away with the water.
  • Encense: Pass the stone through sage or palo santo incense smoke to purify it.
  • Sunlight: Expose the stone to direct sunlight for a few hours to revitalize.

Loading:

  • Earth: Bury the stone in soil for a day or more to allow it to reconnect to Earth’s energy.
  • Crystals: Place the stromatolite stone on a cluster of crystals such as amethyst or quartz to recharge it with positive energy.
  • Meditation: hold the stone in your hand during a meditation and visualize it filling with light and positive energy.

It’s recommended to clean and recharge your stromatolite stone regularly, especially if you use it often.

WHERE DOES THE NAME STROMATOLITE COME FROM?

The name “stromatolite” comes from the ancient Greek “stroma”, meaning “blanket” or “mattress”, and “lithos”, meaning “stone”. The name was given in reference to the characteristic layered structure of this rock, which is formed by colonies of bacteria and algae that have fossilized over time. Stromatolites are considered to be one of the oldest forms of life on Earth, dating back over 3 billion years.

WHICH CHAKRA DOES STROMATOLITE ACT ON?

Stromatolite is often associated with the root chakra, which is the first chakra located at the base of the sPine. The root chakra is responsible for our connection to the Earth and our emotional, mental and physical grounding. Stromatolite is considered an anchoring stone that can help balance and strengthen the root chakra, promoting emotional stability, self-confidence, security and grounding. It can also help establish a connection with Earth’s history and foster a sense of gratitude for life and earthly experience.

WHICH ASTROLOGICAL SIGN IS ASSOCIATED WITH STROMATOLITE?

The astrological sign usually associated with stromatolite is Capricorn. Capricorns are often considered to be very practical, ambitious and results-oriented people, and stromatolite can help reinforce these qualities in them by promoting grounding, emotional stability and self-confidence. Stromatolite is also associated with the planet Neptune, which is linked to imagination, creativity and sPirituality, which can help balance Capricorn’s down-to-earth energies with more mystical and imaginative influences.

STROMATOLITE STONE SUMMARY

Stromatolite stone is a sedimentary rock formed by the growth of colonies of microorganisms, mainly cyanobacteria, in shallow, nutrient-rich aquatic environments. Stromatolites are considered the oldest fossilized life forms on Earth, dating back some 3.5 billion years.

Stromatolites form when colonies of microorganisms secrete a sticky substance that traps sediment particles, forming successive layers that calcify over time. Stromatolites can reach several meters in height and considerable sizes.

Stromatolites are important fossils for scientists studying the evolution of life on Earth and the environmental conditions that enabled its appearance and development. Stromatolites are also considered analogues for the search for life on other planets and in other extreme environments on Earth, such as hot springs and salt lakes.

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