Australian Museum Acquires 2.5-Billion-Year-Old Geological Specimen for Minerals Exhibition
The Australian Museum has obtained a significant geological specimen for its forthcoming Minerals exhibition. This polished slab, originating from the Archean Nimingarra Formation in Western Australia's Pilbara region, measures 2 by 1.5 meters and weighs 437 kilograms. Dating back approximately 2.5 billion years, it is a Banded Iron Formation that records a pivotal shift in Earth's early atmospheric and oceanic conditions, specifically the oxygenation event driven by photosynthetic microorganisms. The acquisition was supported by the Patricia Porritt Collection Acquisition Fund and the Australian Museum Foundation. The specimen is scheduled for public display starting in December 2022.
Key facts
- The Australian Museum acquired a 2.5-billion-year-old Banded Iron Formation specimen.
- The specimen measures 2m by 1.5m and weighs 437kg.
- It originates from the Archean Nimingarra Formation in the Pilbara, Western Australia.
- It will be featured in the Minerals exhibition opening in December 2022.
- Funding was provided by the Patricia Porritt Collection Acquisition Fund and the Australian Museum Foundation.
Entities
Institutions
- Australian Museum
- Patricia Porritt Collection Acquisition Fund
- Australian Museum Foundation
Locations
- Pilbara
- Western Australia