This quartz pebble metaconglomerate contains Jack Hills zircons from the premier Erawondoo Hill location in Western Australia. This location has zircon rocks, the oldest minerals on Earth, with an age of ~ 4.4 Ga. Formed during the Hadean Eon, Cryptic Era these zircon-bearing rocks from this location are unquestionably the most sought-after specimens by museums and collectors.

Zircons not only have long memories but share them readily, as well. The age of Earth's oldest known rocks is the Idiwhaa Tonalitic Gneiss (Acasta Gneiss) of Northwestern Canada. However, the most ancient minerals found on Earth are the tiny zircon crystals that have survived as small grains in the ancient rocks discovered in the Jack Hills, Erawondoo Hill location of Western Australia.

The robustness of zircon crystals can be seen in their incredible ability to withstand aggressive deformation events. A zircon crystal can lie dormant for eons and grow new concentric layers when intermittently reheated in magmatic or tectonic events. This layering is analogous to the growth of tree rings, as this layering can be observed in growth spurts separated by hundreds of millions of years in geologic time. Earth's tectonic history, or even that of a continent, can be traced in a single zircon crystal grain.

Jack Hills quartz pebble conglomate size: 70mm L X 62mm W X 12mm D; Weight: 87.8 grams. Photos are of the front, back, and side. The front and back are lightly coated and it easily washes off with soap.

It ships with a Certificate of Authenticity, tag, tag stand, and information about the specimen. The photo cube and acrylic riser are not included.

Also, listen to NPR talk about Jack Hills zircon here: https://www.opb.org/article/2022/12/29/to-peer-into-earth-s-deep-time-meet-a-hardy-mineral-known-as-the-time-lord/

Now, you can own an excellent specimen of Jack Hills Zircon quartz pebble conglomerate from the premier Erawondoo Hill location at an affordable price.

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