Banded iron(stone) formation (BIF's) refers to a rock type,an intensely transformed (= metamorphosed) sediment of very ancient age. They were deposited in Pre Cambrian times,around 2 billion years ago,during a phase in the evolution of the earth known as 'the great oxygen event'. The polished chunk of this picture,actual width 35 cm,highlights the alternating bands of red jasper,black hematite and golden tiger-eye that make up this rock. The sharp folding of the layers is typical for BIF and an indication of the severe transformation the rock was subjected to. This sample is from the iron mining districts of West Australia,thye type area where BIF is widespread | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Wiersma, Dirk |
Taille de l’image : | 5109 px × 3496 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |