The World’s 10 Oldest Mountains – Formed Billions of Years Ago

The Earth is about 4.54 billion years old.

Through our history, mountain formations have been pillars of our planet’s long and storied past. These ancient peaks and ranges tell tales of continental shifts, geological events, and the relentless passage of time.

Let’s take a look at the world’s oldest mountain ranges.

1. Barberton Mountains, South Africa (3.5 Billion Years Old)

The Barberton Mountains, also known as Makhonjwa Mountains, are the oldest mountain range on Earth. These rocks are part of the Barberton Greenstone Belt in South Africa, which dates back approximately 3.5 billion years.

The landscape here is characterized by its greenstone composition, giving it a distinct, variegated appearance. It emerged from the intense volcanic activity and sedimentation on the Kaapvaal Craton, one of Earth’s oldest continental nuclei. This region is home to some of the best-preserved rocks.