But researchers disagree on exactly how old they are. Work from two decades ago suggested the rocks could be 4.3 billion years old, placing them in the earliest period of Earth’s history.

But researchers disagree on exactly how old they are. Work from two decades ago suggested the rocks could be 4.3 billion years old, placing them in the earliest period of Earth’s history.

It’s the only rock determined to be from the first of four geological eons in our planet’s history: the Hadean, which began 4.6 billion years ago when the world was hot, turbulent and hell-like.

It’s the only rock determined to be from the first of four geological eons in our planet’s history: the Hadean, which began 4.6 billion years ago when the world was hot, turbulent and hell-like.

Jonathan O'Neil / AP Dispute apparently settled Work from two decades ago suggested the rocks could be 4.3 billion years old, placing them in the earliest period of Earth's history.

Samples from a new site place the rocks at approximately 4.16 billion years old, in the earliest period of Earth's history.

Samples from a new site place the rocks at approximately 4.16 billion years old, in the earliest period of Earth's history.

Nation World These Canadian rocks may be the oldest on Earth Samples from a new site place the rocks at approximately 4.16 billion years old, in the earliest period of Earth's history.