Greenstone belts are geological formations primarily composed of metamorphosed volcanic and sedimentary rocks. They are typically found in ancient continental crust and are often associated with the early stages of Earth's history, dating back to the Archean and Proterozoic eons. These belts are important for understanding the processes of crust formation and tectonics.
These formations are characterized by their greenish color, which comes from minerals like chlorite and amphibole. Greenstone belts often contain valuable resources, including gold, copper, and nickel, making them significant for mining and economic geology.