World’s Oldest Rocks Confirmed in Canada

image via New Scientist

June 30, 2025, 5:00 PM

• •Study confirms that rocks in the Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt in Canada are potentially the world's oldest, dating back to 4.16 billion years ago.
• •The research strengthens the case for the rocks being from the Hadean eon, offering a unique window into early Earth.
• •Scientists used radioactive dating methods to determine the age of the rocks, but some remain cautious and seek further evidence.
• •The local Inuit community has closed access to the rocks to prevent further damage from scientific study.

Scientists have gathered new data that confirms rocks in Canada are some of the oldest in the world, dating back approximately 4.16 billion years. These rocks, found in the Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt, offer insight into Earth's early Hadean eon. While the research team is confident in their findings, some scientists suggest caution and desire more evidence before a full consensus is achieved. Due to previous environmental damage, the local Inuit community has restricted further scientific exploration of the area.

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