Nuvvuagittuq Faux Amphibolite Garnets [124 gm ~ 4.3 Ga]

Remarkable Nuvvuagittuq Garnet Paragneiss Faux Amphibolite

Discover this rare scientific specimen from the Nuvvuagittuq Supercrustal Belt, located in northern Quebec, Canada, near Hudson Bay. This locality contains the oldest rock formation on Earth, dating back approximately 4.3 billion years. This region offers a rare glimpse into the early stages of Earth’s geological evolution, bridging the Hadean and early Archean eons. Its significance lies in its ancient age and the invaluable insights it provides into our planet’s early history.

Unique Geological Story

This specimen’s volcanic-sedimentary-metamorphic origin is evident in its composition, telling a one-of-a-kind geologic story. The abundant garnets within the rock are a testament to the intense heat and pressure it has endured over 4 billion years, giving it a unique and remarkable appearance.

Sm-Nd anamolous values from this locality brings evidence to the table that some protoliths in the Nuvvuagittuq Supracrustal Belt may be greater than 4.3 billion years. Interpretation of data, as in the majority of scientific disciplines, continues to be debated.

Faux Amphibolites

The Porpoise Cove locality contains rocks called  ‘faux amphibolites.’  These rocks mainly consist of cummingtonite, biotite, quartz, plagioclase, garnet, anthophyllite, and cordierite. The 'faux amphibolites' have undergone extensive metamorphism, transforming from their original volcanic and sedimentary origins into metamorphic rocks.

There is conjecture among scientists that there might be evidence of fossilized microorganisms in these rocks. These supracrustal areas constitute the only areas of opportunity scientists have for the earliest biological evidence for early life on Earth. The search continues for resolution to these questions and answers.

What does "faux amphibolite" mean? Researchers coined the term “faux amphibolite” due to the rocks’ unique composition, which is predominantly cummingtonite, an uncommon type of amphibolite.

Specimen Details

• Size: 66mm L x 52mm W x 17mm D
• Weight: 124.3 grams

This specimen’s size makes it an extraordinary display piece. It ships with a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed information about the ‘faux amphibolites’ from the Nuvvuagittuq Supercrustal Belt, a tag and tag stand. This specimen was legally obtained from a scientific institution.

Claim to Fame: Earth's Incredible Geology

This might be a singular opportunity to obtain one of Earth’s oldest and most fascinating rock specimens, a 'faux amphibolite' garnet paragneiss from Porpoise Cove.  This rock has remained relatively unchanged for 97% of Earth’s history. Few rocks on Earth can make this claim! It is a silent witness to one of Earth’s distinguished transformations.