Sprigg Ediacaran Fossil Collection Recognised by the International Commission on Geoheritage

We are thrilled to share that the South Australian Museum’s Sprigg Ediacaran fossil collection, one of the world’s most significant geological collections, has been officially ratified by the International Commission on Geoheritage. This prestigious recognition places it among the top 11 geological collections globally for its scientific, historical, and educational value.

The Sprigg Ediacaran Fossil Collection offers an unparalleled glimpse into the earliest forms of complex life on Earth. Hailing from South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, the fossils, dating back 555 million years, provide critical insight into the Ediacaran Period, the first new geological epoch in over a century.

This collection joins others of global significance, from ancient human fossils in Spain to rare Antarctic meteorites in Japan. With only 11 collections worldwide earning this status, the Sprigg collection's inclusion marks a tremendous achievement for scientific research and Australia’s rich geological heritage.

Led by researchers like Diego Garcia-Bellido Capdevila of the Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, whose advocacy was instrumental in the collection’s inclusion, the Sprigg fossils continue to inspire global scientific inquiry. García-Bellido, along with other museum experts, has highlighted the collection’s significance in understanding the origins of life on Earth.

As we celebrate this incredible recognition, let’s remember how these fossilised imprints tell the story of life long before dinosaurs, providing us with crucial insights into the origins of life as we know it.