Top-5 Oldest Mountain Ranges in the World, Check the List

Mountains are not just tall peaks and breathtaking views—they are also silent storytellers of Earth’s history. Some of them are so old that they date back billions of years, long before humans ever existed. These ancient ranges have witnessed the birth of continents, changes in climate, and the evolution of life. Here, we explore the five oldest mountains on Earth that continue to stand strong even today.

Top-5 Oldest Mountain Ranges in the World

Mountains are some of the oldest and strongest natural formations on Earth. Over billions of years, they have shaped our planet’s history and stood against time, weather, and change.

Here’s a look at the top 5 oldest mountain ranges in the world that still amaze us today:

• Aravalli Range
• Barberton Greenstone Belt
• Pilbara Craton
• Canadian Shield
• Hamersley Range

Oldest Mountain Range in the World

The Aravalli Mountains, stretching across Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat, are the world’s oldest surviving mountain system. According to the Geological Survey of India, these mountains were formed about 3.2 billion years ago during the Precambrian era.

Unlike the sharp and towering Himalayas, the Aravallis are gentle hills and ridges, shaped and worn down by wind, rain, and time. Even though they no longer have sharp peaks, they play a very important role:

• They act as a natural wall, stopping the Thar Desert from spreading further east.
• The rocks here are rich in minerals and preserve records of early Earth’s geological history.

Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa

The Barberton Greenstone Belt, over 3.5 billion years old, is one of Earth’s earliest pieces of crust. Found in South Africa, it is world-famous for its well-preserved rocks that help scientists study the origin of the Earth and the earliest forms of life. This area also contains gold deposits. The rugged hills here are not very high but hold priceless evidence about how our planet was formed.

Pilbara Craton, Western Australia

The Pilbara Craton in Western Australia is around 3.4 billion years old. It is one of the few places on Earth where you can still find ancient rocks from the planet’s early history. Scientists believe this region contains signs of the world’s first life forms, including microfossils. Its rocky landscape may not look tall or sharp, but it is like an open book about Earth’s geological beginnings.

Canadian Shield, Canada

The Canadian Shield is a vast rocky region covering much of Canada, with rocks that are 2.5 to 3.0 billion years old. It is not a single mountain but a massive ancient land formation. Rich in minerals like gold and nickel, it plays a key role in Canada’s economy. Geologists call it the “geological core of North America”, as it preserves evidence of the planet’s earliest crust.

Hamersley Range, Western Australia

The Hamersley Range in Western Australia is about 2.4 billion years old. It is famous worldwide for its iron ore deposits, making it a hub for mining and economic activity. The landscape is marked by rugged cliffs, red rocks, and dramatic gorges. While not the tallest range, its ancient age and unique beauty make it one of the most remarkable geological landmarks on Earth.