Rocks 3.6 Billion Years Old Still Intact

Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains hold rocks dating 3.6 to 3.25 billion years ago.

Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains lie in north-eastern South Africa.

Aerial view of the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains terrain.

Volcanic and sedimentary rocks form the mountain's layers.

Barberton rocks preserve a continuous 340-million-year timeline.

Aerial view of the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains in South Africa.

Meteorite bombardments repeatedly hit the Barberton area long ago.

Aerial view of Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains and landscape.

Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains form part of the Greenstone Belt.

Aerial view of the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains landscape.

South African laws carefully protect Barberton from mining threats.

Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains lie in north-eastern South Africa.

Aerial view of Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains landscape.

These ancient rocks reveal a continuous 340-million-year timeline.