A craton is a stable and ancient part of the Earth's continental crust. These regions are typically found in the interior of continents and are characterized by their thick, rigid structure. Cratons have survived the processes of plate tectonics for billions of years, making them some of the oldest geological formations on Earth. Cratons are divided into two main parts: the shield, which is exposed at the surface, and the platform, which is covered by younger sedimentary rocks. They are important for understanding the Earth's history and are often associated with valuable mineral resources, such as diamonds and gold, found in regions like the Kaapvaal Craton in South Africa.