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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Science
Hanika Rizo and Jonathan O’Neil

Scientists unlock secrets of oldest rocks on Earth

The Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt in northeastern Canada is home to the oldest rocks on Earth - (Jonathan O'Neil)

Earth formed about 4.6 billion years ago, during the geological eon known as the Hadean.

The name “Hadean” comes from the Greek god of the underworld, reflecting the extreme heat that likely characterised the planet at the time.

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