Archean gold

Archean gold refers to gold deposits that formed during the Archean Eon, about 2.5 to 4 billion years ago. These deposits are typically found deep within ancient cratons (stable parts of continental crust) and have specific characteristics, such as being associated with volcanic and metamorphic rocks. They often occur as veins or mineralized zones, formed through processes like hydrothermal activity—hot, mineral-rich fluids circulating underground. Studying Archean gold helps geologists understand Earth's early crust development and guides exploration for gold deposits in similarly ancient rock formations today.