What makes Acasta Gneiss significant? Acasta Gneiss rocks make excellent transition specimens that bridge the geological gap between the late Hadean and early Archean eons. It provides a unique chance to gain valuable insights into “Deep Time.” Having an object in our hands that is around one-third of the universe's age is an essential tool. These old geologic rocks are crucial stepping stones for better conceptualizing the first geological eons of Earth's history.

The Acasta gneiss is the oldest known bedrock on Earth, providing insight into the planet's earliest history. It is about 4 billion years old, while the estimated age of the universe is 13.8 billion years (debatable as of this writing). Although the age of the Earth is 4.5 billion years, in the grand scheme of things, we have only been around for a small fraction of that time.

Acasta Gneiss is an ancient rock formation in the Slave Lake province of the Northwest Territories in Canada. It is one of the oldest known areas on Earth where zircon can be found, and this rock formed during the Hadean eon, the earliest period in our planet's history. The area gets its name from the nearby Acasta River, east of Great Slave Lake and quite a distance north of Yellowknife. Scientists have determined that Acasta Gneiss is about 3.9 to 4.03 Ga based on radiometric dating of zircon crystals.

Size of Specimen: 54mm L X 49mm W X 9mm D, Weight: 41.1 grams. The pictures are of the front, with description tag and sizing cube, the side and the back.

Ships with Certificate of Authenticity, tag, tag stand, and information about Acasta Gneiss. Display stand and photo cube not included.

The Acasta gneiss was professionally collected, obtained in a materials trade with a scientific institution, and guaranteed authentic.

This essential geological specimen is a great hands-on teaching tool for learning about deep time!

This scientific material is Guaranteed Authentic. It was professionally and legally collected. It arrives with a Certificate of Authenticity, tag, tag stand and information.