Oldest Komatiite Færinghavn Terrane [84 gm ~ 3.8 Ga]

Færinghavn Komatiite: Earth's Oldest Lava from Greenland

Discover the Earth's oldest komatiite rocks from the Færinghavn Terrane, Itsaq Gneiss Complex, Southwest Greenland. These 3.8 Ga ultramafic schists are the oldest known examples of komatiitic lava flows.

Geological Significance

The Færinghavn Terrane rocks, dating back to 3.8 Ga, offer a rare glimpse into Earth's ancient landscape, which has been extensively deformed and reworked over time.

Unique Characteristics

• High Magnesium Content: Komatiites are distinguished by their exceptionally high magnesium levels.
• High Melting Temperatures: These lavas formed at extremely high temperatures, indicating a hotter mantle during their eruption.
• Low Dynamic Viscosities: Their low viscosity allowed for distinctive lava flows.

Importance to Geoscience

Komatiites provide valuable insights into the early Earth's mantle dynamics, helping geoscientists understand mantle evolution over time.

• Extraterrestrial Significance: Komatiites are likely present on other celestial bodies, such as Mars and Io, offering insights into igneous processes beyond Earth.
• Astrobiological Exploration - These rocks preserve essential geochemical information about the interaction between Earth's rocks and its ancient atmosphere, shedding light on Earth's past.

Specimen Details

Size: 64mm L x 65mm W x 12mm D, Weight: 84.5 grams; Legally collected. In situ photo included. The front face is polished flat.

What's Included

Ships with a Certificate of Authenticity, tag, tag stand, and information about komatiite.

Exceptional Material for Geology Collections

This is a terrific specimen to add to any geological collection, especially one that includes komatiites of the world!

This geological specimen ships with a Certificate of Authenticity, tag, tag stand and information about komatiite.