rock specimen (IMAGE) Rice University Caption Metamorphosed banded iron formation from southern Wyoming showing fine lamination. The rock is approximately 2.7 billion years old. Dark bands are iron oxides (magnetite, hematite) and red-orange bands are chert with iron oxide inclusions (jasper). Credit (Photo by Linda Welzenbach-Fries/Rice University) Usage Restrictions Must credit Linda Welzenbach-Fries/Rice University. License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.