Anshan Oldest Zircons North China Craton [~3.8 Ga]

Anshan Detrital Zircons from the Dongshan Complex

Unearth the oldest zircons in China, dating back approximately 3.8 billion years. Perfect for enhancing your geological studies, mineral collections, and research on ancient Earth.

Description

These Anshan detrital zircons are the oldest known zircons in China, originating from the Dongshan Complex within the North China Craton (NCC). The NCC spans approximately 1.7 million square kilometers, covering northeastern China, Inner Mongolia, the Yellow Sea, and North Korea. It is renowned for its complex geological history, featuring igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic processes.

Geological Significance

The term "craton" refers to a stable, buoyant, and rigid piece of continental crust. Cratonic crust is typically around 200 km thick, relatively cold, and low in density. The NCC exemplifies these characteristics, having maintained stability over billions of years. The Dongshan Complex, located in Eastern Hebei Province, is a key geological formation within the NCC. The Caozhuang quartzite in this complex contains the oldest detrital zircon population in China, indicating the reworking of ancient crust older than 3.8 billion years. These zircons provide valuable insights into early continental crust formation, ancient geological processes, and reworking mechanisms.

Global Connections

Recent studies suggest a genetic geological link between the Dongshan Complex zircons and Western Australia, further enhancing our understanding of Earth's ancient geological history and continental connections.

Specifications

• Slide Size: 2" x 2"
• Well Diameter: 1"
• Contents: Each slide contains enough zircons to comfortably fit a well.

What is Included

• Certificate of Authenticity
• Tag and tag stand
• Information about Anshan zircons

Remarkable Zircons for Studying an Ancient Craton

These Anshan detrital zircons are perfect for enhancing your studies on ancient cratons, the oldest zircons on Earth, and the geological history of the North China Craton. Add this remarkable geological material to your collection and gain deeper insights into Earth's early history, mineralogy, and tectonic evolution.