Nuvvuagittuq Garnet Paragneiss Canada [69 g ~ 4.3 Ga]
Brand : Jensan Scientifics LLC
- SKU:
- JPT-81223
- Condition:
- New
- Availability:
- Usually ships in 24 hours.
- Weight:
- 1.00 LBS
- Minimum Purchase:
- 1 unit
- Maximum Purchase:
- 1 unit
- Shipping:
- Calculated at Checkout
Garnet-bearing paragneiss from Porpoise Cove in the Nuvvuagittuq region of Northern Quebec, discussed in the scientific literature on Earth's oldest rocks, for its extreme antiquity and early crustal context.
Geological Context & Significance
This garnet-bearing paragneiss originates from Porpoise Cove within the Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt of Northern Quebec, Canada. Parts of this belt are widely discussed for preserving exceptionally ancient crustal signals, with some interpretations extending into the Hadean (~4.3 billion years ago; 4.3 Ga).
The specimen shows visible crimson garnets set within a darker metamorphic matrix. As a hand sample, it offers a direct, visual record of high-grade metamorphism and mineral growth under intense heat and pressure, tied to one of the most studied ancient terranes on Earth.
| Object Type | Garnet-bearing paragneiss (gneiss) |
| Locality | Porpoise Cove, Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt, Northern Quebec, Canada |
| Provenance | Verified Porpoise Cove locality within the Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt; includes COA and XRF elemental analysis |
| Dimensions & Weight | 84 mm L × 39 mm W × 8 mm D; 69 grams |
| Specimen Description | Dark, fine-grained metamorphic matrix with visible crimson garnets and gneissic foliation |
| Scientific Significance | Early-Earth metamorphic rock is discussed for extreme antiquity (~4.3 billion years ago; 4.3 Ga) and its relevance to early crustal development and high-grade metamorphism |
| What Is Included | Certificate of Authenticity; specimen tag and information card; XRF elemental analysis report; Free Geologic Time Scale poster from ScienceMall-USA |
| Use & Display | Advanced private collections, institutional reference, and educational display |
| Authentication & Compliance | Guaranteed authentic; legally collected geological material with supporting documentation |
| Shipping | Free Priority Shipping within the USA. International shipping is calculated at checkout |
Questions Commonly Asked About Garnetiferous Gneiss
What is garnetiferous gneiss?
Garnetiferous gneiss is a high-grade metamorphic rock in which garnet crystals formed as the rock was subjected to intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth's crust.
Why are garnets visible in this rock?
As the rock recrystallized during metamorphism, garnet crystals grew larger than surrounding minerals, allowing them to remain clearly visible within the finished stone.
What does "faux amphibolite" mean on the label?
"Faux amphibolite" is a research term used for certain Nuvvuagittuq rocks that resemble typical amphibolite in appearance but differ in composition and mineral makeup. In plain terms, it is a look-alike category name that signals an unusual amphibole-rich rock rather than a standard amphibolite.
What Sets This Specimen Apart: This Nuvvuagittuq garnet paragneiss combines immediate visual readability—crimson garnets set in a dark metamorphic matrix—with documented locality context from Porpoise Cove. In a compact, display-ready format, it serves as a record of high-grade metamorphism in one of the most intensively studied ancient rock belts on Earth.
Why Collectors Value this Specimen: The Nuvvuagittuq Garnet Paragneiss is in a category of its own. Because this specific geological belt covers such a microscopic portion of the Canadian Shield, verified material of this caliber rarely reaches the private market. This isn't just a purchase; it's the securing of one of the few remaining fragments of our planet's birth available to the private collector.
