Akilia Island Ancient Rock Greenland [20.3 gm ~ 3.85 Ga]

Akilia Island Greenland: Quartz-Amphibole-Pyroxene Gneiss 

Discover the enigmatic beauty of this quartz-amphibole-pyroxene gneiss from Akilia Island in Southwest Greenland. Central to the study of early life, this extraordinary specimen is intrinsic for serious geological collectors. This gneiss was found in a raft of mafic and ultramafic metavolcanic rocks. It contains superb ancient apatite with isotopically light carbon graphite.

The Akilia Mineral Composition:

The Akilia rock features a remarkable assemblage of minerals that provide unique insights into Earth's early geological processes which are: Quartz, Garnet, Biotite, Hornblende, Pyroxenes, Graphite, Plagioclase Feldspar, Magnetite, Apatite, and Cordierite.

The Debate Over Early Life

Researchers have long studied Akilia rocks for evidence of early life, focusing on biogenic carbon. Key findings include:

• Isotopically light graphite in apatite grains with low δ¹³C values (~-37‰), potentially linked to biological activity.
• Age: Estimated at 3.85 billion years, among the oldest known crustal materials on Earth.

Challenges to Interpretation

• Metamorphic Alteration: High temperatures (700°C+) may have impacted original isotopic signatures.
• Contamination Risks: Metamorphic fluids could introduce non-biological carbon.
• Abiotic Explanations: Alternative processes like Fischer-Tropsch-type reactions might explain isotopic data.

With advancements in analytical techniques and AI-driven research, this mystery may soon be resolved.

Why Akilia Rocks Are Unique

Few geological specimens on Earth hold the potential to illuminate life’s origins like the Akilia rocks. Their rare low δ¹³C values and connection to the Archean makes them invaluable to researchers and collectors alike.

Product Details

• Dimensions: 54mm (L) x 22mm (W) x 13mm (D)
• Weight: 20 grams
• Finish: lightly coated for photographic purposes. Easily washes off.

What’s Included

• Certificate of Authenticity
• Specimen tag and tag stand (photo cube and product display plexiglass riser not included)
• Information about quartz-amphibole-pyroxene gneiss Akilia rocks 

The Allure of Akilia Rocks

This Akilia rock specimen offers an unparalleled glimpse into geological processes involved on the early Earth. Its enigmatic beauty and scientific intrigue make it an essential addition to any geological collection. These remote rocks are exceedingly difficult to find.

Get it while it is still available. Only a few this size.

Certificate of Authenticity, Specimen tag and tag stand (photo cube and product display stand not included), Information about quartz-amphibole-pyroxene gneiss Akilia rocks