Lewisian Gneiss Geology Specimen in a Box Frame

Nothing beats a box of ancient treasure, and this one contains the oldest rock in the UK!

Inside the self-standing, black box frame is a single piece of Lewisian gneiss, which is pronounced ‘nice’. The pink, grey and black rock formed across what is now the Western Isles of Scotland in the Archaean Eon, between 3.2 and 2.8 billion years ago.

Each piece is unique, measures 5–8.5 centimetres at its largest point and is one of 150 limited-edition, numbered shards. All of the fragments come from a geology specimen, which was chosen by one of our scientists for use in the Evolution Timeline wall in our gardens, which are free to visit.

If you’re after a special, ornamental gift for the rock star in your life, then why not treat them to this beautiful piece of our planet?