Precambrian · 4,600 – 538.8 Ma
Precambrian fossil sites
The Precambrian covers the first 4 billion years of Earth's history, from the planet's formation through to the dawn of complex animal life. Most Precambrian fossils are stromatolites, layered mineral structures built by microbial communities in shallow seas. A handful of Ediacaran sites (565–541 Ma) preserve the world's oldest macroscopic multicellular organisms.
Fossils typical of this period: stromatolites, banded iron formations, Ediacaran biota (Dickinsonia, Charnia, Spriggina), acritarchs.
5 fossil sites
Updated 27 July 2026
Brachina Gorge Geological Trail Fossil Hunting Guide
Australia
Ediacaran soft-bodied organisms
Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve Fossil Hunting Guide
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Fractofusus, Charnia, Charniodiscus, Bradgatia
Nilpena Ediacara National Park Fossil Hunting Guide
Parachilna
Ediacaran fossils, Dickinsonia, Spriggina, Ediacara biota
Pilbara Stromatolites Fossil Hunting Guide
Western Australia, Australia
Stromatolites
Salkhan Fossils Park: 1.4-Billion-Year-Old Stromatolites
Uttar Pradesh, India
Stromatolites, Microbialites