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Chert is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of microcrystalline silica. It is found in diverse settings, including hot spring deposits, banded iron formations, and alkaline lakes. In Australia, chert has been discovered in Western Australia, South Australia, and the East Pilbara Shire. One notable location is the Apex Chert formation in the Pilbara craton, which has sparked scientific controversy over the presence of microfossils. The debate centres on whether the microstructures found in the 3.46-billion-year-old silica-rich rock are the planet's oldest fossils or pseudo-fossils.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location in Australia | Western Australia, Spargoville, Coolgardie Shire, Dragon Stone prospect, East Pilbara Shire, Port Noarlunga South, City of Onkaparinga, South Australia |
| Fossils | Microstructures found in 3.46 billion-year-old samples of chert were declared fossils of photosynthetic bacteria from the Archean eon, but this claim is disputed |
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What You'll Learn
Chert in Western Australia
Chert can be found in several locations in Western Australia. These include Spargoville, Coolgardie Shire, and the Dragon Stone prospect in the East Pilbara Shire. The Dragon Stone prospect is also listed as being in the East Pilbara Shire, but this may be the same location as the previous mention.
Western Australia has a rich record of human occupation, with evidence of resource exploitation documented in faunal remains recovered from limestone rock shelters and mid-to-late Holocene coastal midden sites. The southwest of Western Australia has been occupied by humans for over 48,000 years.
The Apex Chert of the Pilbara craton in Western Australia is of particular interest to scientists as it contains microstructures that were initially believed to be fossils of photosynthetic bacteria from the Archean eon, around 3.46 billion years old. These would be the planet's oldest fossils. However, subsequent research has disputed this claim, suggesting that the structures are fossil-like mineral formations rather than the remains of life.
Additionally, the Bitter Springs Formation of the Amadeus Basin in Central Australia preserves 850 million-year-old cyanobacteria and algae.
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Apex Chert
The Apex Chert has been the subject of scientific debate for several years. The debate centres around the question of whether the Apex Chert contains microfossils or pseudo-fossils. Some scientists have claimed that the Apex Chert contains microfossils of photosynthetic bacteria from the Archean eon, which would be some of the earliest morphological evidence of life on Earth. These microfossils have been described as filamentous prokaryote microfossils, including eight previously unknown species. The discovery of these microfossils suggests that oxygen-producing photoautotrophy may have already evolved at this early stage in the history of life on Earth.
However, other scientists have questioned the interpretation of the structures as microfossils. Some have suggested that they are simply fossil-like mineral formations, or "blobs of carbon" arranged in filamentous patterns, rather than the remains of living organisms. The controversy surrounding the Apex Chert microfossils has been ongoing for over two decades and is one of the longest-running and most high-profile debates in palaeontology and evolution.
Recent studies have used advanced techniques, such as high-spatial resolution electron microscopy, to analyse the microstructures and determine their true nature. These studies have revealed inconsistencies in earlier reports and provided new insights into the formation of the microstructures. Despite these efforts, the controversy surrounding the Apex Chert microfossils remains unresolved, highlighting the challenges and complexities of studying early life on our planet.
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Port Noarlunga South, South Australia
Chert is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of microcrystalline, cryptocrystalline, and microfibrous silica. It is found in diverse settings, including hot spring deposits, banded iron formations, and alkaline lakes. Chert varies in colour, from white to black, but is most commonly found in shades of grey, brown, or reddish-brown.
In Australia, chert can be found in various locations, including Port Noarlunga South, a suburb in the Australian state of South Australia. Located on the coastline of Gulf St Vincent, about 30 kilometres (19 miles) south of Adelaide, Port Noarlunga South began as a private subdivision in 1923. The suburb is known for its natural beauty, including red sandstone beach cliffs and a long jetty, which make it a popular destination for swimming, kayaking, snorkelling, diving, and fishing.
The Port Noarlunga Reef, located about 400 metres offshore, is regarded as one of South Australia's best snorkelling and scuba diving sites. The reef is home to a diverse range of marine life, including 83 marine plant species and 132 ray-finned fish species. A self-guided diving trail, established in 1994, allows visitors to explore the reef and learn about its ecosystem through a series of glass plaques.
In addition to its natural attractions, Port Noarlunga South has a rich history. The area was originally inhabited by the Kaurna people before British colonisation. The first record of the area was provided by Captain Collet Barker, who explored the Onkaparinga River in 1831. In the early 20th century, Port Noarlunga became a popular coastal holiday destination, known for its beach and amusement fairs. However, with urban expansion in the 1960s and 1970s, the township eventually became an outer suburb of Adelaide.
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Chert microfossils
Chert, a fine-grained silica-rich microcrystalline rock, is found in various locations across Australia. It is a common sedimentary rock that is often associated with ancient marine environments and can contain a wealth of microfossil information. Chert microfossils are an important tool in understanding past ecosystems and environmental conditions in Australia.
In Australia, chert deposits are widely distributed and are found in many geological formations. They occur in a variety of settings, including ancient sea beds, lakes, rivers, and as vein fillings in volcanic rocks. The cherts found in Australia range in age from
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Chert Spargoville, Western Australia
Chert is a chemically precipitated sedimentary rock composed primarily of microcrystalline, cryptocrystalline, and microfibrous silica. It is found in various settings, including hot spring deposits, banded iron formations, and alkaline lakes. Chert Spargoville, located in the Coolgardie Shire of Western Australia, is one such place where chert can be found.
Spargoville, a small settlement dating back to the 1890s gold rush, is situated between Coolgardie and Widgiemooltha. While nothing remains of the town today, the area is still known for its mineral deposits, including chert. Chert Spargoville is specifically associated with the Depot Rocks West prospect and the Spargoville rose quartz deposit.
The Coolgardie Shire, where Spargoville is located, has been the subject of various geological studies. These studies have explored the mineralogy and geology of the region, including the characterization of pentlandite-bearing quartz veins and the occurrence of gold deposits. The area is known for its abandoned and modern gold mines, as well as other mineral deposits.
In addition to Chert Spargoville, there are several other locations in Western Australia where chert can be found, including the Dragon Stone prospect in the East Pilbara Shire and Port Noarlunga South in the City of Onkaparinga, South Australia. Western Australia is particularly notable for its ancient chert formations, such as the Apex Chert in the Pilbara craton, which has preserved fossils of prokaryotes, and the Bitter Springs Formation in the Amadeus Basin, which preserves cyanobacteria and algae.
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Frequently asked questions
Chert can be found in Western Australia, South Australia, and the East Pilbara Shire.
Chert is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of microcrystalline, cryptocrystalline, and microfibrous silica.
Chert is used as a source of silica, although it is of modest economic importance today.
