Some Of The Oldest Rocks In The World Are Found In Minnesota

Over many millions of years, the Land of 10,000 Lakes has played host to all kinds of natural processes. For example, the last Ice Age was responsible for Minnesota’s myriad lakes. But bodies of water aren’t the only things that geology left behind. Minnesota is home to some interesting rock formations, including what are some of the oldest rocks on the entire planet. They’re easily accessible in south-central Minnesota, and we highly recommend checking them out. Here’s everything you need to know:

Minnesota is home to some of the oldest rocks on Earth. They are located at Morton Outcrops Scientific and Natural Area. Address: West 4th Street, Morton, MN 56270.

This area, about 100 miles southwest of the Twin Cities, puts Minnesota's geological history on display. A huge rock outcrop rises near the banks of the Minnesota River.

The rock is known as Morton gneiss, or rainbow gneiss. This rock has been quarried in Morton, Minnesota, since the late 1800s, used to construct buildings throughout the state and beyond.

The beautiful swirls and flecks of pink, black, gray, and white make Morton gneiss beautiful on its own or when polished. Beyond its beautiful appearance, Morton gneiss is notable for its ancient origins. The rock is 3.5 billion years old!

To put things in perspective, this is around the same time single-celled life first appeared on Earth. It is 3 billion years before the vertebrate appeared! There are a few rock outcrops on Earth that are older, such as a 4-billion-year-old gneiss formation in Canada.

But within the state of Minnesota, the Morton Outcrops SNA is the place to go to see ancient rocks up close.

The area is also home to many rare plant species, including an endangered lichen and federally threatened prairie bush clover.

All in all, anyone who has an interest in geology – of Minnesota and of the world – should visit this SNA to see some of the oldest rocks in the world. You won’t regret it! Have you heard of or visited Morton Outcrops SNA? What did you think? If you’re a fan of rock formations in Minnesota, also check out our article about Hollow Rock Island on Minnesota’s North Shore.

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Most People Don’t Know Some Of The Oldest Rocks In The World Are Found In Minnesota

Betsy Rathburn

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