Oldest Komatiite Færinghavn Terrane [59gm ~ 3.8 Ga]

Komatiite Earth's Oldest Lava: Greenland

The Earth's oldest rocks of komatiite protolith origin lie in the Færinghavn terrane, Itsaq Gneiss Complex, Southwest Greenland. These rocks contain rafts of ultramafic schists that are about 3.8 Ga, and the oldest known examples of komatiitic lava flows (extrusive ultramafic rocks) ever found.

Not much is left intact from the geologic record prior to ~3.8 Ga in Earth's history. This is because the Earth's ancient landscape has experienced deformation, being reworked by many competing forces.  

The Færinghavn terrane rocks have experienced partial melt and evidence of strain. They are incredibly interesting and their texture is amazing! They look different from any other rocks on our planet!

Why Komatiites are Important:

Komatiites are fascinating volcanic rocks with several intriguing features that make them of interest to both geoscientists and astronomers:

Ancient Origins: Komatiites are among the most ancient lavas on Earth, following the 3.8 billion-year-old pillow basalts at Isua (see our other listing for pillow lavas). They represent some of the oldest ultramafic magmatic rocks preserved in the Earth’s crust, dating back to around 3.8 Ga.

Unique Characteristics: 
Komatiites have exceptionally high magnesium content, which sets them apart from other volcanic rocks. High Melting Temperatures: These lavas formed at extremely high temperatures, indicating a hotter mantle during their eruption. Low Dynamic Viscosities: Their low viscosity allowed them to flow more easily, resulting in distinctive lava flows.

Terrestrial Mantle Evolution: Geoscientists have been intrigued by komatiites because they provide insights into the early Earth’s mantle dynamics. Studying their origin helps us understand how the Earth’s mantle has evolved over time.

Extraterrestrial Significance Beyond Earth: Komatiites are not restricted to our planet. They are most likely present on other celestial bodies in our Solar System, such as Mars, Io and other yet to be discovered or explored celestial bodies.

Planetary Geology: Researchers have extended the study of komatiites to planetary geology. By understanding these rocks, we gain insights into igneous processes beyond Earth.

Astrobiological Exploration: Komatiites preserve essential geochemical information about the interaction between Earth’s rocks and its ancient atmosphere teaching us what the Earth was like in the past.

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

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.