Microfossils in the world's oldest phosphorites

Scanning electron back-scatted micrograph of shungite rocks with a high phosphorous content. The image shows a typical phosphatic nodule, consisting of apatitic cylinders. The deflecting laminae surrounding the nodule suggest that the nodule pre-dated sediment lithification. Brighter areas reflect higher apatite content, darker areas reflect organic carbon content.
Publication
Fosfor – aegade algusest tänapäevani. Schola Geologica X. Estonian Naturalists’ Society, Tartu [In Estonian]
Kaarel Mänd
Kaarel Mänd
Research Fellow at the University of Tartu

My research focuses on investigating Precambrian redox conditions using trace metal based redox proxies.