JOURNAL ARTICLE

A Michigan rock takes title of oldest in the U.S.

  • Published In: Science News, 2025, v. 207, n. 7. P. 21 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Howell, Evan 3 of 3

Abstract

The article discusses the reassessment of the title of the oldest rock in the United States, previously attributed to Minnesota's Morton Gneiss, which is claimed to be 3.8 billion years old. Recent analysis by geologists suggests that this age may be overstated by at least 300 million years, proposing that Michigan's Watersmeet Gneiss, with an estimated minimum age of 3.6 billion years, should hold the title of "America's Oldest Rock." The research involved dating zircon minerals within various gneisses from Minnesota, Wyoming, and Michigan, revealing complex histories and ages. The findings highlight the challenges in accurately dating rocks and suggest that older rocks may still be hidden beneath the Earth's surface. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Science News. 2025/07, Vol. 207, Issue 7, p21
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Geology
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0036-8423
  • Accession Number:185712245
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