A rocky outcrop in northern Quebec has been identified as a potential candidate for the oldest rock on Earth, dating back an astonishing 4.16 billion years. The Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt, a remnant of ancient ocean floor, has been a scientific focus for decades due to its unique geological history.
Scientists used two distinct methods to determine the age of the rocks: samarium-neodymium dating and whole-rock analysis. The results converged on the same age, confirming that at least a small remnant of Hadean crust was preserved in the Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt.
The discovery provides invaluable insights into Earth’s origins and how life formed. Nearby sedimentary rocks from the same location may preserve signatures of early life, including microfossils and bacteria.
However, not all scientists are convinced that the Nuvvuagittuq outcrops will be widely accepted as the oldest rocks on Earth. Some researchers have raised concerns about the accuracy of the dating methods and the potential for geological processes to alter the age of the rocks.
Despite these uncertainties, the study presents compelling data supporting an age of 4.16 billion years ago. The discovery highlights the importance of ongoing research into the history of our planet and the possibilities of life beyond Earth.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/27/science/oldest-earth-rock-discovery-canada-debate