This iron formation formed by the same process, but its deposition also involved interplay among seawater, surface rainwater, volcanic activity, and some of the Earth's oldest life forms (cyanobacteria). A similar, but much younger, formation (only 1.9 billion years old) occurs along the Mesabi Iron Range that extends from Grand Rapids to Babbitt. I absolutely love how these little piled stone candlesticks have been embellished and decorated before they were glued into place. An example of this type of rock can be seen at Soudan Underground Mine State Park. Galet Qui Chantent shows you a unique DIY candle stand that displays exactly how gorgeous rocks and stones can be in crafted home decor. The red layers are jasper the white, chert (mostly quartz) and the black are iron-bearing minerals, mostly magnetite (magnetic) and hematite (nonmagnetic). The iron formation we see today consists of thinly layered red, white, and black minerals. Finally, compare the properties of your rock to those of known rock types while looking for other identifying characteristics. Next, test for hardness and weight by running simple tests. Iron formation formed when iron-rich particles precipitated and settled to the sea floor during quiet periods in volcanic activity. To identify your rock, first take note of its physical properties like color, luster, banding, layering, and grain size. Serpentinite is relatively soft and can often be easily scratched with a knife. The term is a contraction of 'iron-bearing formation,' which is a rock having as much as 30 percent iron in places. Epidote has a perfect cleavage and pistachio-green color not found in nephrite. Thin layers of iron formation occur within other rocks in northern Minnesota.

Shiny white gems found in backyard