earth, new discoveries, rocks

Are All Rocks on Earth the Same Age?

Meteorites aside, Earth started out with as much material as it has today. So why are most rocks much younger than the planet itself? Our expert Maud Boyet says the answer is written in stone. The rocks on Earth are not all the same age. In fact, most are significantly younger than the planet itself. ...

Troy Oakes

Ancient rocks on Earth.

A Japanese Museum That Exhibits Face-Like Rocks

Ever seen a rock that resembles a human face? If not, you should check out the Chichibu Chinsekikan, or “Hall of Curious Rocks” museum next time you visit Japan. The place is filled with numerous face-like rocks that seem to resemble famous personalities or express human emotions. Face-like rocks The museum was founded by Shozo ...

Emma Lu

Museum with face-like rocks.

Scientists Develop New Method for Studying Early Life in Ancient Rocks

Scientists have developed a new method for detecting traces of primordial life in ancient rock formations using potassium. The method relies on searching for high concentrations of potassium in ancient sedimentary rocks, rather than traditional methods that look for carbon, sulfur, or nitrogen—which can appear in ancient rocks through processes unrelated to ancient life. University ...

Troy Oakes

Ancient sediment from a clay formation.