Greenstone belts

Greenstone belts are ancient, volcanic and sedimentary rock formations found within continental crust, often dating back billions of years. They are called "greenstone" because of their greenish appearance caused by minerals like chlorite and epidote. These belts are significant because they contain well-preserved geological features that indicate past volcanic activity and the presence of valuable mineral deposits such as gold, copper, and zinc. Greenstone belts are considered some of Earth's oldest crustal segments, providing insights into early planetary processes, crust formation, and the evolution of the Earth's surface.