Often stones have a complex origin and significance that is evident from their present form. This semi-globose rock is one of the oldest rocks found on Earth. This 2.4 billion-year-old rock was once a mass of simple, early life forms—prokaryote cyanobacteria that substantially raised the oxygen levels, created massive bands of iron oxide formations, and set the stage for higher life forms to evolve. The fossilized remains of this bacterial form are known as stromatolites. 



This stone was collected on Kuprearoff Island, Alaska, and acquired by Rick Stiles. He made the made the braided-like bronze cast base using the lost wax technique. The stone is a reminder of how short a period that humans have been part of the geological history of the planet we inhabit.