Oldest Komatiite Færinghavn Terrane [118 gm ~ 3.8 Ga]

Eoarchean Komatiite Færinghavn (Innersuartuut), Greenland

A True Relic of Earth’s Earliest Mantle

Experience a better understanding of deep time with this extraordinary specimen from the Innersuartuut, Faeringhavn (Qeqertarsuatsiaat), Greenland — a site confirmed to contain authentic Eoarchean komatiite protoliths. Backed by  geochemical research, this rock bears the unmistakable trace of Earth’s primitive mantle over 3.8 billion years ago and is the oldest komatiite on Earth.

Scientific Significance

Elevated levels of highly siderophile elements (HSEs) such as osmium, iridium, and ruthenium — chemical fingerprints of ancient ultramafic lava formed during a time when Earth’s mantle was far hotter than today. This komatiitic composition speaks to high-degree partial melting in the Eoarchean and provides a rare glimpse into the planet’s earliest crustal formation processes.

Geological Context

Though long misclassified as a Proterozoic cumulate, select bodies within the Innersuartuut Intrusion preserve geochemical signatures of true komatiites. These rocks are now recognized as remnants of Archean mantle melts.

Why It Matters

This is more than a rock — it’s a preserved relic of Earth’s formative eon. Ideal for museums, advanced collectors, geology educators, and those passionate about planetary evolution.

These ancient rocks also reveal clues about the Earth's early atmosphere and oceans. While komatiites formed long before life existed, their interactions with early atmospheric and oceanic conditions can help scientists understand how Earth’s surface evolved to support life. These rocks are also important in the study of other planets. The presence of similar volcanic rocks on celestial bodies like Mars suggests that studying komatiites could help us understand volcanic processes beyond Earth.

Unique Characteristics

• High Magnesium Content: Komatiites are known for their exceptionally high levels of magnesium, much higher than typical volcanic rocks today.

• The geochemistry of Innersuartuut shows:

  • High MgO, indicative of ultramafic composition

  • Elevated Highly Siderophile Elements (HSEs) — Os, Ir, Ru, Rh, Pt, Pd — consistent with primitive mantle melts

  • Trace element patterns consistent with Eoarchean komatiite protoliths

• Extreme Melting Temperatures: Formed at much higher temperatures than any lava seen in modern times, indicating a much hotter mantle.
• Fluid Lava Flows: The low viscosity of komatiites allowed them to spread rapidly across large distances, unlike the slower-moving lava of today.

Specimen Details

Size: 111mm L x 63mm W x 18mm D

Weight: 118.00 grams; Legally collected. In situ photo included. The front and back are hand polished flat.

What's Included

• Certificate of Authenticity
• Tag, tag stand, and detailed information about komatiite 
• XRF and scientific article included!
• Free "Earth's Oldest Rocks and Oldest Life" geology poster 

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