On June 27, 2025, scientists published new findings in the journal Science about very old rocks from the Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt in northern Quebec, Canada. This place has long been known for its ancient gray stones near Hudson Bay. In the latest study, researchers estimated the age of a new rock sample at around 4.16 billion years. This discovery may place the rocks among the oldest on Earth. Earlier studies gave different results—one group said the rocks were 4.3 billion years old, while another said they were 3.8 billion years old. The disagreement happened because the scientists used different dating methods. The new study used both techniques, and both results matched. This agreement made the new age estimate more credible and added more legitimacy to the claim.

The formation of Earth happened about 4.5 billion years ago, but most early rocks were destroyed or changed by tectonic activity. Rocks this old are very rare. Another place in Canada, called the Acasta Gneiss Complex, also has very old rocks. However, the Nuvvuagittuq samples could be older. Studying them can help experts understand how the planet’s surface changed and how early life began. A scientist not involved in the study described the rocks as extremely valuable. The site is located on Inukjuak tribal land. Local leaders placed a ban on sample collection after some damage happened during past research trips. Some pieces were even seen for sale online. The community now wants to create a protected park to allow research with proper rules. This plan aims to avoid further exploitation, support cultural preservation, and protect the site’s significance for future studies.