Oldest Pillow Lava Isua SW Greenland [74 gm ~ 3.8 Ga]

Ancient Isua Pillow Lava Specimen

Unearth a piece of Earth's exceptional geologic history with this extraordinary pillow lava from Isua, Greenland.

About the Oldest Pillow Lava

Discover the oldest known pillow lava from the ancient volcanic rock formations of Greenland's Isua region, dating back approximately 3.8 billion years. This remarkable specimen offers a unique glimpse into Earth's early history, showcasing the dynamic processes that shaped our planet's crust. 

Pillow Lava Formation

Pillow lavas form when molten material travels beneath or across a cooling crust, creating pillow-shaped structures that harden over time. The Isua pillow lava is significant for its contribution to our understanding of Earth's ancient geological activity, providing evidence of an active crust billions of years ago. This specimen supports the theory that vast oceans existed during Earth's formative years, crucial for the development and evolution of life.

Note: Pillow lavas experience high deformation and have not been a primary target for early life studies.

Specifications

• Size: 100mm L x 54mm W x 8mm D
• Weight: 74 grams
• Age: 3.8 billion years
• Condition: Lightly sprayed for photographic purposes

What's Included

• Certificate of Authenticity
• Tag and tag stand
• Information about the specimen
• In situ location photo

Geological Significance

The Isua pillow lava serves as a "time capsule," preserving geochemical signatures from the primitive crust. This specimen offers invaluable insights into the geochemical processes during Earth's infancy. The formation of pillow lava is a fascinating geological phenomenon that occurs when lava meets water, rapidly cooling and solidifying the exterior while the interior remains fluid. As the flow continues, the pressure causes the thickened skin to rupture, forming interconnected, pillow-shaped structures.

Global Examples

• Hawaii: Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes frequently produce pillow lava formations due to active underwater eruptions, providing valuable information about current volcanic activity and island formation.
• Iceland: Thingvellir National Park showcases landscapes shaped by pillow lava formations, thanks to the country's high volcanic activity and location on the mid-Atlantic ridge.
• North America: Lake Superior features ancient pillow lava formations preserved on exposed cliff faces, offering a glimpse into the region's volcanic past.

While younger than the Isua formations, these examples play a crucial role in understanding the geological processes involving water and lava, contributing to the broader comprehension of Earth's dynamic geology.

Unique Window into Earth's Past

The Isua pillow lava specimen is a unique window into Earth's history, offering insights into the climate and environment of our ancient world. It stands as a testament to Earth's dynamic nature, making it a valuable addition to any serious geology collection focused on Earth's oldest rocks and volcanology studies.

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