Idiwhaa Tonalitic Acasta Gneiss Canada [143 gm ~ 4.02 Ga]

Explore Earth's Ancient History with Idiwhaa Tonalitic Acasta Gneiss

Unlock the mysteries of 'Deep Time' with the Idiwhaa Tonalitic Acasta Gneiss, a geological marvel that offers a rare glimpse into Earth’s earliest history. This extraordinary specimen, nearly 4 billion years old, is a testament to the planet’s formative eons, bridging the Hadean and Archean periods into scope.

The Historical Significance of Idiwhaa Tonalitic Acasta Gneiss

As the oldest known relic of bedrock terrain, this gneiss provides invaluable insights into the Earth’s primordial past. Holding this specimen is like holding a piece of history just half a billion years younger than Earth and almost one-third the universe's age. Furthermore, it helps us understand the division of Earth's earliest geologic history, offering a tangible connection to the Hadean and Archean eons.

Idiwhaa tonalitic acasta gneiss is found in the remote Slave Lake province, Northwest Territories, Canada, near the Acasta River, east of Great Slave Lake.

Formation

This rock formed approximately 4.02 - 3.65 billion years ago, during the Hadean eon, based on radiometric dating of zircon crystals. The Earth's surface was highly unstable during this period, with deep convection currents bringing molten rocks to the surface.

Unique Features

• Specimen Size: 60mm L x 42mm W x 27mm D; Weight: 143 grams.
• Appearance: Photos show the front, back, and side views. The back is covered with lichen, which adds character but can be easily removed.
• What's Included: Ships with a Certificate of Authenticity, tag, tag stand, and detailed information about Idiwhaa Tonalitic Acasta Gneiss. Display stand and photo cube not included.

Scientific Value

The scarcity of rocks from the Hadean eon, which spans from about 4.6 billion to 4 billion years ago, is due to several key factors:

Intense Geological Activity

During the Hadean eon, Earth was extremely geologically active. Volcanic activity, tectonic movements, and impacts from extraterrestrial bodies frequently reshaped the planet’s surface. This constant reshaping meant that any early crust that formed was often destroyed or recycled back into the mantle.

• Subduction and Plate Tectonics: The process of subduction, where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle, played a significant role in the destruction of early crust. Nearly all of the original crust from the Hadean eon has been subducted due to the movements of tectonic plates.
• Lack of Stable Crust: The Earth's surface during the Hadean was highly unstable, with deep convection currents in the mantle bringing molten rock to the surface and causing the cooling rock to descend into magmatic seas. This instability prevented the formation of a stable, long-lasting crust.
• Erosion and Weathering: Any rocks that did manage to form during the Hadean eon would have been subject to intense erosion and weathering over billions of years. This further reduced the likelihood of Hadean rocks surviving to the present day.
• Late Heavy Bombardment: Towards the end of the Hadean eon, the Earth experienced a period known as the Late Heavy Bombardment, during which a large number of asteroids and comets bombarded it. This event would have caused significant resurfacing and destruction of any existing crust.

As a result of these processes, only a few remnants from the Hadean eon have been discovered, such as zircon grains found in the Jack Hills of Australia and ancient rocks in the Nuvvuagittuq greenstone belt in Quebec, Canada.

Comparative Age

The oldest rocks known, such as those in the Nuvvuagittuq greenstone belt and the Jack Hills zircon rocks, provide context for this specimen’s significance.

Perfect for Any Serious Rock Collection

This specimen is very budget-friendly and significantly contributes to a scientific collection, for its educational and historical value.

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